Maxine Sullivan Barnes passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 18, 2021. She was born November 13, 1938, in Mount Olive, Mississippi, to the late Mack and Helen (Tew) Sullivan.
Maxine met the love of her life, Thomas Barnes, while they both worked in downtown Magee. From that point on, their love grew and they were married on January 6, 1956. Together, they had two children and three grandchildren. She was a second mama to so many. You could always find the neighborhood kids at her house. She was an avid reader and enjoyed coaching and attending her children’s sporting events. Later, she continued with the love and support for her grandson’s activities.
She worked at Tucker’s Printing Services and then began her career as a rural letter carrier at Mississippi Postal Services, where she eventually retired with 25 years of service.
Maxine was remembered as a friend who would go out of her way to ensure that her customers were always taken care of. After retirement, the joy of her life was spending as much time as she could with her grandsons.
After her son’s traumatic injury from a vehicle accident, she was instrumental in being an advocate for brain trauma patients. As a result of her efforts, she was awarded “Caregiver of the Year” in 2012 by the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi.
Her faith and love for Jesus provided a Christian foundation for her family. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Richland, while always supporting her lifelong church, Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Olive, MS.
She is survived by her son, Mike Barnes; daughter, Lynn Smith (Guy); grandchildren, Dustin Smith (Hannah), Brandon Smith, Tom Barnes; extended family, Mayoung and Kristin McClendon.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brothers, J.M. Sullivan, George Sullivan, Billy Sullivan, and James Sullivan.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 12 noon, at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Mount Olive, MS, with Bro. Seth Sullivan officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials are made to Calvary Baptist Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall.
