Imogene (Willis) Barnes

Ms. Imogene Barnes, 97 of McHenry, stepped through the portals of heaven Saturday evening, April 4th, from Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. She was born November 26, 1922 at her family's home in downtown McHenry, the daughter and third of eight children to Wesley E. and Mattie Lea (Reaves) Willis. She grew up in McHenry during a very difficult time, between world wars and the Great Depression. She helped her mother at home with her siblings and would often help her aunts and others cook for sawmill and others workers in and around McHenry. The formal education she received early on came at the schools located in McHenry and Perkinston. As a teenager, Imogene was swept off her feet by a dashing young man named J.T. Barnes. Ever the gentleman, he courted her and they were married in the late 30s, eventually moving to the Gulfport area. They opened a curb market or produce stand on Hwy 49 near I-10 in 1951. A few years later, they moved a bit further North to the Orange Grove area on Hwy. 49, where they opened Barnes' Freeze Cup. This was a very popular spot for ice cream and some of the most delicious hamburgers and hot dogs for over 25 years. A dedicated family woman, Imogene loved to sit and talk over a cup of coffee, reminiscing about McHenry and the years gone by. She had an amazing memory, recalling specific details from her childhood, including locations of buildings, homes, people's names and faces, and so much more. To sit and have a conversation with her was a true history lesson. A long time member at McHenry First Baptist Church, Imogene loved the ladies in her Sunday School class and her church family. A loving daughter, mother, and dedicated friend to so many, Imogoene was the last of the Willis clan who settled in McHenry. She will be very fondly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by: her parents W.E. & Mattie Willis; her loving, dedicated husband of over 50 years, J.T. Barnes, Sr.; their first daughter Gilda Faye Cuevas; all of her siblings: brothers Johnny, Raymond and Edward Willis, and sisters Pansy Whitehead, Georgia Reed, Nora Cowgill and Eula Mae Willis; and a grandson, Matthew James Donohoe. Left to cherish her many memories are: her children, J. T. "Jimmy" (Connie) Barnes, Jr. of Saucier, Rickey (Pam) Barnes and Helen (Joe) Donohoe, both of McHenry. She leaves a legacy of sixteen grandchildren, a multitude of great and great-great grandchildren, along with numerous extended family, friends, and countless customers through the years, all of whom she cared for deeply. Funeral services are set for Saturday, April 11, 2020 at McHenry First Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM. Imogene will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery afterward. Due to the current virus outbreak and social distancing guidelines, limited access will be granted to the church sanctuary. We are hopeful to get everyone through that wishes to attend, so please allow yourself time if you plan to come in person. The funeral service itself will be streamed on Trinity's McHenry Facebook page, so you may view it there. The interment will be outdoors, with more access available to those who may not make it into the church itself. Your understanding with these matters is greatly appreciated. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Barnes family in this difficult time. Please keep the entire Barnes family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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