Barbara Jon Barnes

Barbara Jon Barnes, age 80, died in Durham, NC on January 21, 2025. She was born on February 9, 1944, to the late Margaret Louise Mutart (Bement) and Lloyd John Barnes and grew up in Columbus, Ohio.

Barbara earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in education from The Ohio State University and was an educator, tutor, and mother of three. She was a selfless advocate for those in need and supported her community as a volunteer with her church and Civitan group. She enjoyed singing, gardening, and baking.

Barbara is survived by her children Adam (Mandy Wilson), Matthew (Ann), and Cherie; grandchildren Gwen, Alexa, Riley, and Piper and “adopted” family Shana Burns and Finn and Violet Mackelfresh. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, sister Roberta Bement Steil, parents, and stepparents Linda Fuller and Larry Mutart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church in Durham, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.