Family will receive friends Saturday December 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Saint John’s Baptist Church 1145 St Clair Ave. 43201. Interment: Evergreen Burial Park. 

Mary Lee Barnett was born on February 11, 1939, in Kemper County, Lauderdale, Mississippi, to the late Mr. Ike Moore Sr. and Vinnie Thomas. On November 24, 2024, at the age of 85, God called His beloved angel home.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, O’dell Barnett; her cherished son, Gregory Charles Barnett; her brothers, Ike Moore Jr., Heck Moore, Willie Lee Moore, Johnnie Moore, and Joe Moore; and her sisters, Inez Moore, Viola Brown, and Pearlie Mae Baylor.

Mary made Columbus, Ohio, her home for over five decades and dedicated her career to The Ohio State University. Known for her incredible strength, unwavering love, and boundless generosity, Mary touched countless lives. She was a mother figure to many, helping to raise and nurture children beyond her own family. Her kitchen was always open, her heart always full, and her food a source of comfort and joy to all who knew her.

Mary loved the simple pleasures of life: playing cards, visiting the casino, and enjoying games of BINGO. Her radiant smile was her signature, lighting up every room and every heart it encountered. For over 40 years, Mary faithfully attended St. John Baptist Church, where she most recently became a Mother of the Church. Mary embodied grace, kindness, and unwavering spiritual devotion.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, carried on by her brother, Charlie Moore of Chicago, Illinois; her children: Calvin Sharbough Jr. of Houston, Texas; Carrie "Moonie" Sharbough; Lillie Barnett; Otis (Annie) Barnett; and Wardell Barnett (Othilia Pennington), all of Columbus, Ohio. Her grandchildren: Tamtri "Meechie" Barnett, Timothy "TJ" Evans Jr., Justyn Evans, Calvin Sharbough III, Cyndie Janey, Ashley Haslett, Romel Barnett, Otis Barnett Jr., Wardell Barnett Jr., Otavion Barnett, Darvion Barnett, Antwanetta Townsend, and Andrew Townsend. She was also blessed with 29 great-grandchildren.

Mary shared a special bond with her sister-in-law, Allie "Aunt Al" Barnett, and her nephew and devoted driver, Christopher (Kelly) Sauls, who lovingly took her on journeys to visit family in Chicago, Texas, and Mississippi. She held dear her lifelong friends, Mr. Willie Joyner, Virginia Galloway and Laquita Dickerson and a host of other loving relatives and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Mary's life was a testament to love, faith, and selflessness. Her warmth, wisdom, and spirit will forever be etched in the lives of all who were blessed to know her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.