Elnora M. (Martin) Elizabeth Barnes

  When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.  Why cry for a soul set free?

    Elnora Elizabeth Martin Barnes, the daughter of the late Samuel and Elnora Sweat Martin, began her journey through life on May 10, 1923, in Pendlteton (Northampton County), North Carolina. 
     Elizabeth obtained her education from Severn Grade School (located across the street from First Baptist Church); Willis Hare High School; Shaw University and Elizabeth City State College, currently known as, Elizabeth City University. She graduated in May 1947, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.
     Elizabeth began her teaching career  in August 1947.  She taught  from 1947 to 1949 at Oak Grove School in Garysburg, North Carolina and  at Severn Elementary from 1949 to 1967.  For twenty years, she taught  in Northampton County, North Carolina.  She also taught for twenty one years in the Southampton County School System in Boykins, Virginia.
     At an early age, Elizabeth accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church.  There, she served in many capacities.  She was among the first to begin Homecoming Services, where she was chairperson for several years.  Elizabeth's involvement in other committees, included:  Vacation Bible School, Pastoral Committee and she served as Church Clerk. As a member of the Missionary Ministry and one of the chosen women for Deaconess, she was willing to work wherever needed.
     On May 15, 1949, Elizabeth was united in Holy Matrimony to Thornton Barnes. God granted them no children, but they loved everyone else*s. They shared forty eight years and eight months of marital bliss.
     Peacefully, her journey with life came to an end, on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, when our dear Elizabeth answered the Master's call from earthly labor unto eternal rest.
     In addition to  her parents and beloved husband, Thornton, Elizabeth is also  predeceased by: two sisters, Juanita Warren and Bertha Bragg; five brothers, Arthur Martin, Sr., David S. Martin, Manethew Martin, Millard Martin and James L. Martin; two nieces, Shelia Thomas and Puella Blueford; one foster niece, Ethel Hawkins; two nephews, Arthur Warren and Earl Warren and one foster nephew, Fred Jordan.
     She leaves not to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her legacy and cherish many memories:   five nieces, Bertha Henry, Bonita Leftrict, Brenda Halyard, Barbara Martin and Beverly Martin; one nephew, Arthur Martin, Jr.; and a host of great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.  

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