Mary Juer Barnwell

She graduated from Petersburg High School in 1960 and Mary Baldwin College in 1964. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Richard Walker Barnwell. She taught in Hampton City Schools for two years before their first son was born. She took a fifteen-year maternity leave. During this time, she was active in the Junior League of Hampton Roads and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Women. She served as treasurer, circle chairman, program chairman, and devotions chairman for the Church Women and chairman of the St. Andrew’s Day School’s Parents Council. She then taught for thirty years at the Day School. She loved seeing the world through the eyes of the children.

Mary is survived by Richard Walker Barnwell, her husband of 60 years; their sons and their wives, Richard Walker Barnwell Jr. (Beth), and Robert Wixel Barnwell (Candice); four granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; two great-grandsons; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

A memorial service will take place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newport News on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11 A.M. with a reception following at the James River Country Club from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. Burial will take place at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (https://standrewsoregonhill.org/) or to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.