Martha BARNES

1936 - 2018

BARNES, Martha Martha Wright Barnes of Southwest Atlanta, Georgia peacefully went home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2018. Born on January 12, 1936, to Ed and Nancy Clemens Wright, Martha resided with her parents in the Fourth Ward neighborhood; known today as Midtown Atlanta. Always possessing an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Martha continued her academic pursuit, entering Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) at the tender age of sixteen. In continuing fashion, Martha realized great academic and civic success. Holding multiple student government offices, remaining on the Dean's List every semester, and pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Pi Chapter), culminated in an extraordinary experience for Martha. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Clark College (1957), she seamlessly furthered her educational quest by receiving a Master's Degree in Childhood Psychology from Atlanta University (1959). Forever passionate about the pursuit of education, as well as the economic, social, and spiritual health of Greater Metro Atlanta's minority population, Martha served in various leadership roles, as an active member of several Christian and civic organizations. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Kappa Omega graduate chapter (Basileus,1989-1991), The Women's Society at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, The Knights of Peter Claver, Phi Beta Kappa, The Jolly Bunch at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic, the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, and David T. Howard Class of 1953 Alumni Association. In addition to her husband, Robert, Martha was preceded in death by brother, William Edward Wright of Detroit, Michigan. Martha leaves to celebrate her life, two children, Roderick Barnes and Roberlyn Barnes Swilling (Darrell), three grandchildren, Travis Barnes Swilling, Brett Caleb Swilling, and Ryan Olivia Swilling, special cousins, Joyce Jones and Joya Jones Logan, and a host of relatives and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial for Martha Wright Barnes will be held on Saturday, February, 24, 2018, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 551 Harwell Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 at 11:00 AM. Officiating: The Reverend Jerome McKenna, C.P., Celebrant, and The Rev Mr. Joseph Goolsby, Deacon. On Friday, February 23, 2018, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.- Kappa Omega Chapter, will perform an Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony from 6:30 PM 7:00 PM. Family visitation will take place from 7:00 PM -8:30 PM at Murray Brothers Cascade Chapel, 1199 Utoy Springs Rd SW (404)349-3000. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Martha Wright Barnes Foundation at https://www.gofundme.com/marthawrightbarnesfoundation, or donations may be made payable to The Martha Wright Barnes Foundation at P.O Box 77621, Charlotte,NC 28271. Funds will be used to provide annual scholarships for students to attend Clark Atlanta University.