An extraordinary woman, Mary Jean “Jeannie” Barnes, 64, was born the 2nd of October, 1958 to Frank D Barnes and Rosa Jean Barnes of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Jeannie gained her angel wings and went to be with her Lord on the 18th of May, 2023, after a seven-year courageous battle with cancer. Our great loss is truly Heaven’s gain!
Jeannie graduated from Cocoa Beach High School in 1976 where she took advantage of the ocean's proximity and enjoyed surfing most mornings before reporting to school. Thereafter, she attended and graduated from Florida State University in 1980 where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and acquired a degree in Mathematics Education.
After college graduation, Jeannie followed friends from Florida to Houston for a new adventure where she acquired a position as a math teacher at North Shore High School. Her commitment and dedication to her students and their education made her a master teacher during her 15 years in the classroom. The desire to more deeply and personally aid students led Jeannie to acquire a Master’s degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University in 1995. Jeannie then began a career in high school counseling in 1996 that continued for 15 more years. Thus, her career in education at North Shore High School lasted 30 full years.
Jeannie met her beloved, Kyle Tauch, in 1992. Their relationship brought Jeannie great happiness and fulfillment for decades until her last breath, especially in their many travels and even friendly competition each evening, when solving the puzzles on “Wheel of Fortune”.
After retirement, Jeannie devoted her newfound extra time with continued teaching of students with private tutoring after their school day. It was also during that time that she found more time to begin greater service to and in her church, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. Her spiritual life soared within the teachings she grasped here. She nurtured and cared for others with such great compassion through her involvement, and sometimes leadership positions, in the Episcopal Church Women group (ECW), the Altar Guild Group V, the Christian Life Studies (CLS), and her organization skill with the United Thank Offering (UTO). Jeannie also loved participating in ladies groups that made prayer shawls and baby blankets.
Another great joy in her life also began after retirement when she was offered and accepted the call to pick up three children every day after school and then care and help them with their schoolwork until their parents arrived home from work. Michael, Nicholas, and Mia Baumann have all now graduated from high school and have successfully entered prestigious Texas universities, including the University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Rice University. Each of these three young adults have been much considered to be a part of Jeannie’s adopted family.
In sum, Jeannie was a lady with true southern charm and traditions. Whenever guests were expected in her home, or whenever different people showed a kindness toward Jeannie, she always had gifts and thank you notes for each of them. She will always be widely known for her love for others, her extraordinary kindness and generosity, and immeasurable thoughtfulness.
Jeannie was preceded in death by both of her parents and a favorite uncle, “Uncl,” Thomas Barnes of Edgewater, Florida, as well as her many past precious pets. She is survived by her brother, Frank D. Barnes, and her beloved of over 30 years, Kyle Tauch, and his family. She is also survived by countless friends (including the RLL - the “Retired Lunch Ladies”), former admiring students, and church family members. She also leaves behind her rescued pet cat, “Fiona.” Finally, she is survived by her adopted family, the Baumann’s - Don, Monique, Michael, Nicholas, and Mia.
The Barnes family wishes to thank those who contributed to Jeannie’s recent care: close friends, including the RLL, members of the Altar Guild Group V and the over the top care provided by both her long time college friend, Teresa Short, as well as Monique Baumann.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 31st of May, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 1st of June, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where The Reverend Lisa Neilson and The Reverend Sharron Cox, are to officiate.
Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances of Jeannie during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.
The entombment is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 2nd of June, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 726 N. Penn Street in Flatonia, where The Reverend Lisa Neilson is to officiate.
In lieu of customary remembrances, donations in honor of Jeannie may be directed to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church towards their Children’s Ministry, Outreach, or the Altar Guild.
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by clicking the “Add a Memory” icon below.
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