She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dr H M “Mike” Barnes, sons Bryan of Little Mountain, SC, Brooks of Starkville, Brandon of Corvallis, OR, and Brett of Dayton, Ohio and her grandchildren Matthew, Caleb, Catlin, and Casey.
Martha worked as head secretary for the Department of Entomology, Mississippi State University and then retired from the USDA Agriculture Research Service in Starkville.
Besides her husband, children, and grandchildren, the loves of her life included the Scouting Movement and her beloved Bulldogs, where she was known as Mamadawg#1. She was past-President of the Starkville Swim Team and former President of the Mississippi Division, Professional Secretaries International. She was an active member of the booster club for the Lady Bulldog basketball team, as well as a season ticket holder of Bulldog football and baseball.
She held several awards for her service to the youth in the area, including the Book of Golden Deeds from the Exchange Club and the Silver Beaver Award from the Pushmataha Area Council (PAC) Boy Scouts of America. Her church, First United Methodist, recognized her with Cross and Flame Award. She was a former Den Leader and Cubmaster of Pack 11, and Committee Member of Troop 45. In addition, she was the training chairman for the PAC, where during her tenure she trained most of the Cub Scout leaders in the council. She started a summer day camp program, Camp CUSDACA, for Cub Scouts and conducted the only National Camp School ever held in the PAC.
Visitation is 1100-1200, 8/13 at First United Methodist Church with a celebration of life service following at 1200. Rev Stacey Parvin assisted by Brother Michael Sanders will conduct the service. Burial will be at Oddfellows Cemetery in Starkville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palmer Home, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
