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Roberta Jean Littlefield Barnett

Graveside service for Roberta Jean Barnett will be 11 a.m., Monday, November 22, in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Riverwood.

Roberta Jean Littlefield Barnett of Brookhaven, MS returned to rejoice with our Heavenly Father after having passed away quietly Friday, November 19th, 2021 at home.

Roberta, the daughter of Jesse and Ollie Littlefield, was born March 14th, 1931 in Benkelman, NE.

A strong Midwestern Work Ethic was instilled by both her Mother and Father as business proprietors of three businesses; a Nash Automobile Dealership, a Motor Lodge, and an active herd of registered Brown Swiss cattle where they employed Roberta as reliable, yet cheap labor.

Roberta’s passion for music carried throughout her childhood into her college years and beyond. Having graduated from Colorado Women’s College in Denver, Roberta majored in Business accompanied with a Minor in Music.

A cornerstone of Roberta’s Love of Music and Arts was widely recognized in so many facets of her life. As a member of Brookhaven’s Matinee Musicale, she served not only as a member, yet president and secretary, while also hosting and performing many club meetings. Roberta and her late husband, Dr. Jim C. Barnett, worked tirelessly to promote the creation and development of the Mississippi School of the Arts situated on the historic Whitworth College Campus in downtown Brookhaven, MS.

As recent as November 7th, Roberta delivered an impromptu piano performance of “The Man I Love” by George Gershwin and “Darkness On The Delta” by Jerry Livingston.

Roberta was the epitome of “The True Southern Belle”; a life filled with satisfying others, there was no celebration beyond her ability to exceed expectations. A world traveler, having circumnavigated the globe at twice the speed of sound on the Concorde, Roberta and Dr. Jim traveled to each of the seven continents.

In 1990 Roberta became the President of the Women’s Auxiliary of Southern Medical Association, the second largest multi-specialty medical organization in the world with over 60,000 members.

Roberta took great pride in serving her Church, First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven as a member and active on several committees throughout the years, sharing her musical talents with all; her organization and eye for detail was welcomed and appreciated by those who knew her.

A life filled with adventure, achievement, faith, friends, family and love; Roberta silently had a love of aviation; a little-known fact, she trained and soloed in a Cessna at Raymond, MS.

Roberta is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Jim C. Barnett (2013), son Jim (Jimmy) Barnett (2000), son Christopher (Chris) Barnett (2002) and son Patrick (Pat) Barnett (2016).

Roberta is survived by her daughter, Ellen Gerland of San Marcos, TX; sons Alex Barnett of Dumfries, VA, James (Jim) Matthews of Manheim, PA, Richard Barnett of Easley, SC, Glen Matthews of Baytown, TX, Mark Barnett of Georgetown, KY, John Barnett of Mosely, VA, Paul Barnett of Brookhaven, MS; 26 grandchildren; and a host of great and great-great grandchildren; Rascal, her “Sweet Kitty”, a precious three-legged cat and dozens of beautiful plants that will forever miss her green thumb.

Those who knew Roberta undoubtedly heard two of her guiding principles in life. “Make it Pretty” and “When a task is once begun, never leave it until it’s done, be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”

11 comments

  • Comment Link Debbie Smith Tuesday, 23 November 2021 11:10 posted by Debbie Smith

    Mrs Barnett was a very special lady! She was always smiling and so sweet!! Prayers for her family! ??

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  • Comment Link Betty Owens Sharpe Monday, 22 November 2021 19:36 posted by Betty Owens Sharpe

    Oh Ellen, so sorry for your loss! I've been out of touch but still think of you often. Are you in Brookhaven now? Your mom was so very awesome. She put up with our crazy ways. Hope you can remember all her wonderful style and know she's in a much better place than us. Hope to hear from you!

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  • Comment Link Willie Diggs Monday, 22 November 2021 19:21 posted by Willie Diggs

    Sincere condolences to the Barnett family. A sweet lady and now she's a beautiful angel.

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  • Comment Link Phyllis Spearman Sunday, 21 November 2021 16:31 posted by Phyllis Spearman

    We will miss Roberta. She was a lovely gracious lady.

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  • Comment Link Susan  Peter Hondru Sunday, 21 November 2021 10:47 posted by Susan Peter Hondru

    We send our sympathies and love to Grandma Roberta’s family. We know she will be greatly missed

    Report
  • Comment Link Cindy Laird Saturday, 20 November 2021 18:09 posted by Cindy Laird

    My sweet friend. I adored listening when she spoke of her life adventures. What a long blessed life she lived. I will never forget the many times we had belly laughs. I hope the bathrooms are clean up there. If not, they will be when she gets finished! Heaven gets sweeter each day. I love her so much.

    Report
  • Comment Link Denise Riley Saturday, 20 November 2021 16:35 posted by Denise Riley

    Roberta was a dear friend and such an encouragement to me and my singing. I lived next door to her and would often visit and play, sing or listen to music. I am so thankful that she was my friend and know she’s making music for her Heavenly Father. Denise Riley

    Report
  • Comment Link Melissa Adams Saturday, 20 November 2021 16:09 posted by Melissa Adams

    As I think back to those 10 years that I was part of the Barnett family(as a employee of Paul Barnett Nissan) it was always a joy to see her come by the dealership. I know she will be missed by all and know that y’all are in my prayers

    Report
  • Comment Link Scott Anderson Saturday, 20 November 2021 15:17 posted by Scott Anderson

    We want to send our sympathy and love to Paul, Jennifer and the entire Barnett family.
    Scott and Portia Anderson

    Report
  • Comment Link Dal Scott Anderson Saturday, 20 November 2021 15:11 posted by Dal Scott Anderson

    We want to send our sympathy and love to Paul, Jennifer and all of to Barnett family.
    Scott and Portia Anderson

    Report
  • Comment Link Daryl Brown Saturday, 20 November 2021 12:59 posted by Daryl Brown

    Thoughts and prayers for the family. The Barnett's were our next door neighbors for years. May she rest in peace.

    Report

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