Annie Laura Barnett

Mrs. Annie Laura Barnett was born on December 24, 1940, in Middleton, Tennessee, to the late Wilford and Earlene Stitts. Annie’s life was marked by quiet strength, loyalty, and a love for family that never wavered.

In 1959, Annie married J.C. Barnett, Sr., the love of her youth. Their bond endured life’s seasons, and they remarried in 1972, choosing each other once again. Together they built a life filled with resilience, family, and devotion.

Annie was the proud mother of three children: J.C. Barnett Jr. (Janet), the late Jean Minor, and Joyce McDonald (Anthony).

She grew up in Marion, Indiana, where she attended Roseberg High School before starting her family shortly after high school. Throughout her life, Annie worked various jobs in Kokomo and Marion, including Kokomo Spring Company and at a daycare, where her natural warmth and patience made her a comfort to children and parents alike.

A woman of faith, Annie was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church and a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star. She loved the Lord and showed it not through grand speeches, but through the way she treated people—with kindness, honesty, and generosity.

Annie leaves behind grandchildren who were the joy of her heart:

Eboni Lenoir (Anthony), Stefani Quarles (Shelton), Deanza Duncan, Marquita Arnold, Jeffrey Minor Jr., J.C. Barnett III (Brenda), Anthony McDonald Jr., Jshanien Minor (Derrick Kosch), Ayriel Williams (Craig), and Jorgan Harvard (Willis).

Her legacy continues through many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren—each one claimed by Annie as “her baby,” because love, to her, was never limited.

She is also cherished by nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family friends, especially Miss Della and Miss Sandy, whose friendship stood the test of time.

The family would also like to acknowledge the exceptional care Annie received from her primary nurse, Megan; Hospice Aid, Mattie; Social Worker, Kay and Chaplain Adam.

Annie lived with a gentle strength that drew people in. She was: funny, loving, straightforward, patient, protective, generous, kindhearted, wise, and unafraid to tell you the truth.

She found joy in word-find puzzles, cooking family favorites, and caring for her dogs—especially her beloved Abby. She loved watching Soul Train, listening to BB King and blues music, and pulling humor out of everyday life—including her favorite TV shows like Jerry Springer.

What made Annie special wasn’t just what she did, but how she did it—with quiet consistency, a warm heart, and a love that stretched across generations.

Annie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J.C. Barnett Sr.; her daughter Jean; her granddaughter Marquita Arnold; great-grandson Jarrell Harvard; her parents; and all of her siblings except her treasured sister, Sara Lucille, who remains the last living sibling.

A visitation will be held on December 5, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Second Missionary Baptist Church, located at 819 N Apperson Way, Kokomo, Indiana, 46901. The funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 12:00 pm on December 5, 2025.

The family of Mrs. Annie Barnett deeply appreciates your prayers, calls, messages, and every act of kindness shown during this time. Your love has brought comfort and strength.