Norma Jean Barnes

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Norma Jean McMinn Barnes passed from life on this earth to her eternal home on June 1, 2023, holding the hands of two special nieces, Georgia Gremillion and Janet DeField.

Born on Nov. 28, 1929, in Martin, Tennessee, Norma Jean moved to East Prairie with her parents, John E. McMinn Sr. and Cornelia Love Childers McMinn when she was a young child. It was in East Prairie that she impacted the lives and character of many.

Beginning with her baptism by Melvin Bryant at First Christian Church in 1955, Norma Jean never looked back. She spent some 45 years, without missing a Sunday, teaching primary children in Sunday school. She also helped with vacation Bible schools and youth groups.  She was active in the Ladies’ Bible Study, helped with the Giving Store at the East Prairie Nursing Center, and was always willing to cook for and assist with pot luck dinners and funeral meals.

After graduating from East Prairie High School in 1947, Norma Jean began working at Howard’s Drug and Sundries. During the next 21 years, she mentored dozens of young girls at the drug store, teaching them the value of earning their pay. After working at Howard’s, Norm took the position of Center Supervisor for Delta Area Head Start. She held this position from 1968 until 2000. Not one to sit still, she then became an election judge for the county for the next twelve years. An avid walker, Norma Jean had worn a path along the fence rows of the fields near her home. After moving to town, she continued to walk at the Church of God Family Life Center.

Norma Jean was married to Eugene P. Barnes on Dec. 30, 1956, at First Christian Church in East Prairie. Norma Jean assisted Gene in his crop-dusting business while working her other jobs. She was a devoted wife who took great care of Gene during his illness and was by his side when he passed from this world.

Norma Jean entered the East Prairie Nursing Center on Feb. 3, 2014. Not one to sit around and feel sorry for herself, she saw her time there as an opportunity to be a good Christian witness. She was kind and respectful to the residents and always had a smile and thank you for the nursing home employees. She would comment that the nursing facility was not home, but she was content that she had a mission there. She would remind the other residents when it was time for Brother Mike Johnson to have service or when Jill McWilliams and Shirley Wagner were there to have a group sing.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her husband Gene, her parents John E. and Cornelia McMinn; her brothers Tom, J.C., and J.E. McMinn; her sister Joyce Howlett.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Never having children of her own, Norma Jean was mother, friend, and confidant to hundreds of children whose paths crossed hers in church, the community, and Head Start.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 5, 2023, from noon until time of service at 2 p.m. at First Christian Church in East Prairie. Service will be conducted by Brother Martin Lucas and Brother Alex Lukefahr.

Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie.

Pallbearers will be: Scott Mainord, Billy Munger, Mickey Lay, Milas Mainord, Joe Helms and Bryan Mainord. Norm had some special lady friends. These ladies will serve as honorary pallbearers: Cathy Allred, Martha Sue Mainord, JoLita Nolen, LaDonna Reno and Pat Helms.

Online condolences may be shared at: www.southernfuneralservices.com. 

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Norma Jean requested that donations be made to First Christian Church, P. O. Box 67, East Prairie, MO  63845.