Marjorie Birtie Barnes

In Loving Memory of Marjorie B. Barnes

September 20, 1924 – December 12, 2024

Funeral services for Marjorie B. Barnes, age 100, will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Rose-Neath Bossier Chapel, with visitation proceeding at 9:30 AM. Officiating will be Bro. Harrell Shelton of Airline Baptist Church, where Marjorie was a dedicated member and served for many years. Marjorie was lovingly called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Marjorie was born on September 20, 1924, in Sibley, Louisiana, to the late Lee Washington Boyce and Frankie Sullivan Boyce. She was preceded in death by her two beloved older sisters, Mable Parker and Marguerite Stell. After graduating from Sibley High School, she attended trade school and began a career as a dental assistant. Marjorie met the love of her life, Belve Barnes, Sr., on a blind date, and they later married on May 8, 1942. They moved to Bossier City in 1944 and spent 62 years together before Belve’s passing. Marjorie is also preceded in death by their only son, Belve Barnes, Jr., who they adored.

Marjorie was a homemaker while raising her son and later began her journey in retail. She worked at The Fashion Tree where she continued her love of fashion and accessories. Marjorie was always dressed to impress. Later she managed Bobbie Rose’s Inspiration a Christian bookstore where she could share her love of the Lord with others. She worked alongside her husband who was the postmaster at the United States Post Office substation inside the store. 

Marjorie’s life was a testament to a heart filled with service, kindness, and love. She was a charter member of the Bossier Central Lions Club, which began in 1992 and devoted countless hours to serving. Her dedication was recognized when she received the prestigious Knight of Sight Award on her 99th birthday. For over 30 years, Marjorie volunteered at Christus Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center as a Pink Lady. She was honored for her more than 1,000 hours of service. She loved making flower arrangements for the patients and doing anything she could to help the patients be more comfortable while there. In 2016, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce honored Marjorie with the Salute to Healthcare Volunteer of the Year Award. She was also involved in the Bossier City Jaycee Jaynes where she was Jayne of the Year in 1960 and the Bossier Mother’s Club.

Marjorie’s greatest passion, however, was her faith and love for her family. For over 50 years, she taught and shared the love of Jesus to preschoolers in Sunday School. She also enjoyed planning and serving for many church events, always putting others first. 

Her joyful, loving nature and radiant smile left an impression on everyone who knew her. Marjorie’s talent for cooking and baking was known by many, with her pimento cheese and chicken salad being favorites. Until her mid-90s, Marjorie stayed active, always busy doing something for someone else. Many say it was her selflessness and her love for others that kept her going for so many years.

Above all, Marjorie was the heart and soul of her family. She treasured her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family lovingly called her "Nan-Nan." Her family was the light of her life. She poured out love, wisdom, and care to them, always ensuring they knew how deeply they were cherished.

Marjorie’s legacy is one of love, service, and joy. She leaves behind family and friends who are grateful for the time they had with her.

Marjorie is survived by her two granddaughters and their husbands, Nicole and Jarrett Wilhite, and Jaclyn and Lee Baker; their mother, Cathy Barnes; her three great-grandchildren, Cody Wilhite, and London and Presley Baker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Jarrett Wilhite, Cody Wilhite, Lee Baker, London Baker, Jerry Wilhite, and Jeff Wilhite.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Donna Wyatt, Dr. Steven Boniol, and Dr. William Haynie for the exceptional care they provided Marjorie over the years. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the staff, doctors, nurses, and therapists at Cypress Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, where Marjorie resided in her final months. Special thanks go to Robin Tinsley, who loved and cared for Marjorie over the past five years and made her feel like family. You all helped her make it to her 100th birthday, and for that, we are forever grateful.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Airline Baptist Church, 4007 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA, or a charity of your choice.