Alice Barnett

Marion – Alice (Barker) Barnett, 92, passed away at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, October 19, 2025, peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Wednesday, November 2, 1932, in Marion, IL, to Howard & Lillian Lula (Rollins) Barker. She attended Douglass Grade School, graduating from Marion High School.

Alice was united in marriage to William Nelson Barnett on December 25, 1951, in Marion. They shared over 60 years of marriage until William’s death on January 6, 2012.

Alice had a passion for sewing which led her to form her small business, Sewing 1. God blessed her with a special and unique gift for sewing, crafting and beyond! Her talents, but not limited to these, included embroidery, all sorts of crafting, designer stitching, quilting and so much more! One of her most unique designs was her hand sewn/stitched Greeting Card. She achieved most of her creative sewing from her personally designed “sewing room” within the home she shared with her loving husband, William (warmly known as Nelson by most). However, her creative gifts were not limited to this special “sewing room”, Alice also taught sewing classes at John A. Logan Community College in Carterville, IL. Additionally, she was employed as a consultant in the Fabric, Sewing and Crafts Department of the local Walmart Store in Marion.

Alice was a member of the Bethel A.M.E church in Marion, IL, serving as head trustee and one of the church mothers. She served until the dissolution of the ministry in the early 2000’s. She later became a member of the Marion First Freewill Baptist in Marion. Alice acknowledged Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of her life. She diligently studied her Bible and loved sharing her understanding of God’s Word. She was a woman of strong faith (Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith!” (Matthew 15:28)).

Alice devoted much time to community service. She served on the Senior Citizens Board (now known as Club 60) as well her service with the Boyton Street Community Center.

Though she always kept busy with her work and other activities, family was always important to her. Over the years, she has supported her children and grandchildren. She supported everyone in whatever they were involved in.

Alice is survived by two sons, Michael Barnett of Chicago, Charles Barnett (Annette) of Omaha, NE, two daughters, Elsie Barnett of La Plata, MD and Beverly Barnett of Marion; four grandchildren, Porscha N. Parker (Malcolm) of Dallas, TX, TaShauna Teague (Joseph) of Marion, IL., Tiffany Barnett of Omaha, NE., and Phillip Vaughn Jr. of Brandywine, MD.; nine great- grandchildren, Elizabeth Mary Ann Parker, William Malclom Parker, Micheal Alexander Parker, Marquez J. Lilly, Nautica L. Barnett, Matthew Joseph Parker, Jaleah Marie Teague, Giana Barnett and Ivan T. Reliford Jr.; one great-great-grandchild, Kyrell William Barkley and other extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, William Howard Barnett and six siblings.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street, Marion, IL. with the Rev. David Nelson presiding. Visitation will be from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Interment will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, IL followed by a repast at the Boyton Street Community Center in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (800-805-5856) or The Boyton Street Community Center (P.O. Box 1647 Marion, IL 62959 or Phone: 618-997-1113).