Mary Ella Barnes

Mary Ella Whitley Barnes, 99, of Wilson, journeyed to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

A graveside service will be on Wednesday, 10:00 AM, at Maplewood Cemetery followed by visiting.

Mary Ella developed an eye for interior design while working for Bridgers Paint and Wallpaper. After moving to Raleigh, she worked in the accounting department of ITT (Alltel). Following her retirement, she used her skills to assist her brother Calvin and niece-in-law, Glenda, in their gift shop at Brentwood Shopping Center. In November 1992, her younger brother Doug asked her to help him at Whitley Electric for “a few days”. She continued to assist him until 2008 at age 92 when the business closed.

She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church after returning to Wilson and enjoyed greeting members and visitors prior to the worship service every Sunday. She shared her love of First Baptist with friends and they frequently “packed a pew”.

Her laughter was easily recognizable, and no one ever left her presence without a hug.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Gray and Lillie Mae Webb Whitley; brothers, Calvin, William “Doodle”, Ed, Charles “Shine”, Wallace “Shorty”, and Doug Whitley; nephews, Harold, Joe, and Keith Whitley.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Sarah Pridgen Whitley; nieces, Dianne Barnes, Lee Black, Carol Cox, Mona Fulghum, Beth Glover, Sheri Jernigan, and Marla Whitley; nephews, Billy, Chuck, Doug, and Gray Whitley.

Sincere appreciation and gratitude are extended to Gentiva Hospice nurse Angela, and caregivers Barbara, Doris, and Emma.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1467, Wilson, NC 27894 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com