Eva Johnson Barnes, 81, passed into the hands of our Lord on June 18, 2011, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Mrs. Barnes, known to most as Mee Maw, was born in Nansemond County on April 30, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Lydia Baker and John Letcher Johnson. Mrs. Barnes was predeceased by her brothers, Edwin, Willie, Henry and Howard Johnson.

A devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mrs. Barnes served in the nursery for many years doing what she loved most — caring for the children. God, family, church and children were her life. She adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all the precious little ones that came in and out of her life, especially those that made her a part of their lives and returned to her many times as young adults. She lived a life of total unselfishness — always caring for others and her family.

Mrs. Barnes is survived by three daughters, Juel Barnes Carr, Anne Barnes Jones and Mary Anne Barnes, all of Suffolk; three grandchildren, William Love Carr Jr., David Brosia Carr and James Buchanan Jones; three great-grandchildren, William Grant Carr, Logan Elizabeth Carr and Alliyah Love Carr; and her sister, Byrdie J. Boyette. Also surviving her are John M. Jones, son-in-law, Angie C. Carr, Richard Boyette, brother-in-law, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving and devoted friends.

The family would like to be expressed to Nicole Williams, who cared for Mrs. Barnes daily with love, respect and determination, and to Dr. Vincent Lee, who treated Mrs. Barnes and family with faithful and enduring care and respect. The flow of friends, church members and family that constantly came in and out of the home is truly a tribute to the person Mrs. Barnes was, and we all will sadly miss her.

A funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Keith Emerson at St. Paul’s Episcopal church on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 11 a.m., with burial following at Holly Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 from 7 to 8 p.m. Other times, the family will be at the home of Anna B. Jones and family, 468 Milford Lane, Suffolk, Va. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Food Bank, 213 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.