Mary Moore "Missy" Barnett

Missy arrived into the loving arms of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ on August 28, 2013. Being diabetic most of her life, she battled numerous health challenges with her disease but lived life to its fullest. She fought with an inner strength and steadfast Christian faith this past year and was an inspiration to so many during her lifetime. Heaven rejoices as she has regained her voice and is praising her King. She was born on December 18, 1957 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Sally and Robert Cline Moore. After graduating from Tupelo High School in 1976, she married Kenneth J. Barnett Jr. on August 1st. She became involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Association and was always an advocate for better diabetes control and believed it necessary for a longer healthier life. Her diabetes spanned 50 years and afforded her many opportunities to assist others in understanding its impact and how best to manage the disease. Missy enjoyed most of all serving the Lord in song, prayer and bible study. She was a 10 year student of Explorer's Bible Study, a national study program and held various local leadership positions within the program. She was co-founder of the Banner Ministry at First Baptist Church, Tupelo and was instrumental in designing the banners through prayer and tedious hand work required to beautifully and reverently present the names of the Lord. The banners were and still are an inspiration to all when presented during worship services, weddings and special church events. Missy also coordinated and chartered the MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers Ministry for Tupelo and organized and officiated the first local Beth Moore Ministry telecast for women's bible study. Always a student of the word, she led numerous Wednesday night bible studies, The Book of Daniel being her favorite. She also authored an unpublished book about her life, adding chapters as life presented its many challenges. Additionally, Missy along with her husband managed and owned a family business in Holly Springs, MS. Moore's Phillips Grocery was owned by her family for over 50 years and was awarded the second best hamburger in America for 1989 by USA Today newspaper. She also was a student, collector, and merchant of antiques during that period. She was a well-respected home interior decorator and loved guiding clients in decorating their living space with new and existing family items. She and her husband worked together as a team in construction and amenity selections for their client's new homes under construction or being remodeled. Missy also was involved with the National Foundation for Transplants and with her team of supporters, held several local fund raising events to offset medical expenses associated with a transplant when available. She was on the waiting list at UAB for a pancreas and kidney transplant, now the funds can be used to assist others in need of a transplant. Missy loved spending time with family members and friends and always assisted them in their need as a true friend and consoler when necessary. Her love further extended to a life-long joy of cooking, sewing personally and professionally and she also loved canvas painting and now these will serve as a reminder of her many abilities to us all. The family expresses a special thank you to Harrisburg Baptist Church staff, its faithful members, and especially all the members of the David Langerfeld Sunday School class for all their prayers, assistance and love each has shown. A home maker, faithful wife, student of scripture, and a blessing to all who knew her will be missed but within each of us is her life, sweet smile, and her own special way of touching us all. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth J. Barnett Jr. of Tupelo; two brothers, Bob Moore (Tommie) of Tupelo and Bill Moore of Austin, Texas; her brother-in-law, Brad Barnett (Cindy) of Tupelo; her mother-in-law, Irene Barnett of Tupelo; six nieces and nephews, Matthew Moore, Whitney Moore Robinson (Chris), Warner Moore, Cassidy Barnett, Jon-Michael Barnett and Peyton Barnett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sally McDonald Moore. A celebration of Missy's life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Harrisburg Baptist Church with Rev. David Langerfeld and Dr. Gale Alexander officiating. A graveside service will follow at Potts Camp Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends from 4 - 7 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2013, at Harrisburg Baptist Church, 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd Tupelo, MS 38801.