Irma (Jones) Barnette

Irma J. Barnette passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 85. She was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Aubrey and Mary Jones on January 24, 1940. She graduated high school from St. Mary’s Catholic School, a trailblazing school for Black students in the southern U.S. and continued her schooling to receive her associates degree. She moved to the Boston, Massachusetts area early in her adult life. She adapted to her new life in New England and made many friends and acquaintances. She greatly enjoyed candlepin bowling and won many awards and trophies as captain of her bowling team. She also enjoyed cooking and playing Bridge.

Irma made a career as a nutritionist and nurses’ aide, working in the Winchester, MA vicinity, eventually rising to a position as the Nutrition Supervisor at Winchester Hospital.

She was married to Stanley Barnette, whom she met playing Bridge at the Boston Chess Club in May of 1973.  They married and bought a home in Brockton, MA. Their marriage lasted until 1999, when Stanley made his transition after a long illness.

Her life is celebrated by stepchildren Neal and Celeste Barnette, Step Grandson Kyle Barnette and wife Khara, great grandchildren Trevor, Nya and Sawyer Barnette neighbors Frank and Maureen Durden, and many other neighbors, friends and relatives from the Boston area to Los Angeles.

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