Johnnie Mae (Watson) Barnes

The Legacy of Life

Johnnie Mae Watson Barnes

September 11, 1953 - February 15, 2025

God saw a beautiful flower needed picking for his Heavenly Garden and on February 15, 2025, God chose our Sister Johnnie Mae Watson Barnes at Memorial University Medical Center, Savannah.

Johnnie, 71, was born September 11, 1953, to the late Bishop H. L. Watson, Sr and Minister Mary E. Watson.  Being born into a Christian Home, Johnnie received her early spiritual foundation through dual membership at Holy Temple F.B.H. Church and Sought Out Church.  She attended the Public Schools of Screven County and graduated with The Screven County High School Class of 1971.

After graduation, Johnnie moved away to Detroit, MI, where she started her medical career.  After returning to Sylvania, she joined St. Andrews United Methodist Church.  She joined the St. Andrews Gospel Choir under the leadership of Minister Edwin Lovett an under numerous pastors.  Johnnie had a call to help her family, so she rejoined Sought Out Church, where she had a desire to be used in any capacity she could.

She married the love of her life, Mr. Jackie Barnes, in April of 1988.  This beloved union blossomed into 37 years of marriage.  When you saw one you saw the other.  During her long illness, he was right there by her side the entire time, saying to him on one occasion, “this is going to be a rough one, but if you hang in there with me, we are going to make it through”.   They did just that.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Gertrude Watson, and a brother, Lloyd Watson, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, a loving and devoted husband, Jackie Barnes; two sons: Jackie R. Scott and Maurice Flowers of Sylvania, GA; five sisters, Mary H. Watson, Linda Barnes and Pastor Mattie (Willie) Green all of Sylvania, GA, Ethel Bee (Lawrence) Barnes of Hephzibah, GA and Sonya Watson of Essex Junction, Vermont; eight sisters-in-law, Carolyn Watson of Augusta, GA, Mary L. Woodard of Fort Myers, FL, Nora Jenkins, Charlesetta Barnes, Corine Zeigler, Deloris Jackson and Rosezina Barnes all of Sylvania, GA and Shirley Ann (Charles) Williams of Louisville, GA; six aunts, Emily Hall and Mary Ellen of Pompano Beach, FL, Shirley Webb of Connecticut, Juanita Blount, Hazel Johnson, Eva (Walter) Fulcher all of Sylvania, GA; one uncle, Harold (Shirley) Reed of Statesboro, GA; like a daughter, Valerie L. Johnson; like sons, James Barnes, Marcus Grene, and Artis Newton; a very good friend, Lori Carter; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

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