Reflection of Life

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Elvira Marie Barnes peacefully transitioned into eternal life at Genesis Health Care in La Plata, Maryland.

Elvira was born on January 21, 1952, to Floyd Barnes (deceased) & Margie Barnes. Her nicknames were "Girl Rudolph" or "Ms. Barnes".

Elvira graduated from Lackey High School in 1970. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1974 and her Master's Degree in Counseling from Bowie State University in 1976. She taught for fifteen years and worked as a Guidance Counselor for sixteen years in the Charles County Public School System, she retired in November 2004.

She loved to watch Let's Make A Deal, Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Lifetime Movies. She had a special place in her heart for her brother Floyd Jr. (Buck). She cared for him until she became ill. Her favorite song was "I Won't Complain".

She was a lifetime member of Zion Baptist Church. Elvira loved organizing the church youth programs and mentoring youth. She enjoyed a variety of activities including shopping and family gatherings at her niece Shuntaye's home, where there was always good food and good fellowship.

Throughout her years, she always provided support and services throughout the community. She organized the Thanksgiving Dinner and Career Day at Mt Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School thirty years ago. She has been involved and a member of the following organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Inc. and Charles County Democratic Central Committee and received a lifetime achievement award in the spring of this year

Elvira leaves to cherish her loving memories, her mother Margie Barnes, siblings, Floyd Jr., Jerome (Frances), Sharon (Haywood) Jackson, Dewayne (deceased), Sheila Smith, Michele (Frederick) King, Juan, Garry (Phyllis) and Sherone (James); two aunts Juanita Keys and Mattie Barnes, great aunt Marion Barbour and one uncle Hugh Watson. Devoted friends, Fabian & Theresa Carroll, Wanda (Wilford) Lawson and Lewellyn (Sally) Burroughs; special friends, Wilhelmina Cornish, Gloria Barnes-Riley, Francis Savoy, Joan Chapman, Denise Chapman Barnes, Annette Coates, Gloria Savoy, Tara Fenwick, Diane Wheeler, Leroy Hilliman and Nat`e Thomas. She also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalms 27 verse 1