Myrtle Ellen Jackson Barnes

Myrtle Ellen Jackson Barnes--Mom, sister, aunt, friend, scholar, and activist—was born to Charlotte (Lottie) Lirthena Mitchell and Walter Wade Jackson, on May 6, 1916, in Brooklyn, NY.  After ninety-nine years on earth, Heaven rejoiced at her return on Sunday August 2, 2015.   On December 29, 1940, Myrtle married Howard Edward Barnes who predeceased her in September 1992.  She was dearly beloved, treasured, and cared for by their three children, Joy, Audrey, and Clifford, until she transitioned peacefully at the family home in Washington, DC early on the morning of August 2, 2015.  After a successful career of more than thirty years at the New York Urban League in New York City, Mrs.  Barnes retired with Howard to Chase City, Virginia in 1981. In June 1983, she completed her BS degree in Political Science as a coed at St Paul’s College in Virginia.  At age 67, she was honored as St Paul’s oldest graduate.  As was customary for her, she continued her tradition of service and activism by founding the Thyne Institute Memorial Circle of Friends ;  conducting classes and participating in a myriad of activities at the Thyne Presbyterian Church; and working to revitalize the Chase City Senior Citizens’ Center.  She envisioned and spearheaded a successful drive to include Thyne Institute on the Civil Rights Trail in Virginia. Such a feat required considerable effort to research the important history of Thyne, which, until 1923, was the only facility in Mecklenburg County to offer courses for African Americans.  The Thyne Circle of Friends subsequently raised funds to build the magnificent 30 foot monument and bell tower which now stands on the site of the original school.  Her spirit of life, love, and laughter will be with Joy, Audrey, Clifford, sister, Ethel Weeks (deceased), her sister-friend, Cynthia King, nieces, nephews, and a host of privileged friends who can now hold her in their hearts forever as an ancestor.   Mrs. Myrtle Ellen Jackson Barnes’ life and legacy will be celebrated at a memorial service at Unity of Washington, DC on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 4:00 P.M.  Funeral services for Mrs. Myrtle Ellen Jackson Barnes will be conducted 3:00 P.M., Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church, Chase City, VA. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  A public viewing will  be held on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Mecklenburg County NAACP Chapter, 26460 Hwy 47, South Hill, VA  23970. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.    Memorial Service  4:00 P.M. Saturday, August 15, 2015 Unity of Washington, DC  1225 R St NW Washington, DC 20009 Funeral Service  3:00 P.M. Sunday, August 16, 2015 Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church 5120 Highway 47  Chase City, VA Interment   Church Cemetery   Public Viewing  Sunday at Church 2:00 P.M.  to 3:00 P.M.