Sue was born on October 13, 1939, in Andalusia, Alabama to parents, Charlie Ray and Hattie Mae Teel and graduated from Andalusia High School. During her school years, she was known for her vibrant spirit as a cheerleader. After high school, she completed her studies at Massey Business College in Montgomery, Alabama. After this, she ventured to Miami for a period before finding her way to Marianna, where she would make lasting contributions to the community she cherished.
Mary Sue’s professional journey included many years of dedicated service at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, working under Sheriff Ronnie Craven. Also, working many years for Ben Barnes at the local court house. In 1972, Sue and her husband, Gene, opened Barnes Tire and Service, a business that served the community for 48 years.
Beyond her work, Sue was an active member of several community organizations. She found joy and camaraderie in the Marianna Woman’s Club and the Garden Club. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church and a regular participant in her Sunday school class. For many years, she was the ninth grade Sunday school teacher at First Baptist. She volunteered annually for VBS with her friends in the arts and class room and found much joy using her passions to bring others closer to the Lord.
Sue’s life was marked by the love she had for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Ray and Hattie Mae Teel, her beloved husband of 63 years, Dalton Eugene “Gene” Barnes, and her cherished son, Daniel Eugene Barnes.
Her legacy lives on through her son, David Barnes and wife, Brenda of Andalusia, Alabama; two daughters, Denise Merrifield of Kynesville, Florida, and Suzanne Adams and her husband, Landis of Prattville, Alabama. She was a proud grandmother to Amber Barnes Radford, Mark Merrifield, John Merrifield, Mallory Purvis and husband, Brandon, Mary Sue Woodruff and husband, Joe, Caroline Dean and her husband Joshua, Sara Kate Chaffer and husband, Joel, and Caleb Joseph Barnes; 13 great-grandchildren Sean, Seth, Tyler, Liam, Lawson, John Michael, Stella, Simon, Hattie Mae, Thomas, Magnolia, Adaline, and Oliver brought her immense joy and pride. Mary Sue’s extended family included numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom felt her love and compassion.
Funeral services will be 5:00 P.M. Monday, May 12, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Marianna with Pastor Vince Smith officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
A graveside service will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Conecuh River Baptist Church in Andalusia, Alabama. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.
