Mary Elizabeth Barnett, beloved mother, grandmother and aunt, peacefully left to be with her Lord on December 19, 2014. Marrying in 1949 and starting her family, she then finished college, attaining a BS, Masters and 45 hours toward her Ph.D. Having taught Science at Brownsville Road and Shadowlawn Schools, she was chosen to be principal of Riverdale Elementary and Vice Principal of Collierville High School. Until retiring in 1992, she spent many happy years as Director of Elementary Education with Shelby County Board. She was past president of SCEA and the NEA/TEA congressional contact person. Having a tight-knit group of lifelong friends, her Bunco Club met monthly for over 40 years. She will be sorely missed by sweet surviving members Edythe Freeouf, June Grist, Dot Gilchrest and Betty Hoffman. Her husband, Bob''s Association with the Shriner''s Motor Corp also brought many lifelong friendships. Enjoying travel, she explored Europe with her family as well as local areas while researching the family ancestry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert T. Barnett; daughter, Mary Deon Barnett, sisters, Elnora Barker, Barbara Ann Ledbetter; and brother, Mickey Sanford. Mrs. Barnett is survived by her son, Ronald Barnett; daughter, Pamela Stribling, grandchildren, Brent and Benjamin Barnett, Carl Piersing, John Yarbro, Christina McBride, Shane and Evan Stribling. She will also be missed by a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23 at Forest Hill East Funeral Home and funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be in Memphis Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family request memorials be made to Shriner''s Burn Center.
Forest Hill East Funeral Home 901-382-1000