Carlotta M. Barnes

Although she accomplished a great many things throughout her life, there was nothing that spoke more highly of Carlotta Barnes than raising two daughters to know and love the Lord. With faith as her constant companion, she lived to love and serve others whether her daughters, her church family, or others in need of a little tender loving care. A more devoted mother would be hard to find as Carlotta was selfless and nurturing in every way. Her true joy for living permeated everything she did, and her warm, welcoming, and compassionate demeanor drew others near with ease. Carlotta will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished. The 1950s were a colorful and exciting time in our nations history. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with his rock n roll music while James Dean made young girls all across the nation swoon on the big screen. Televisions were becoming part of our homes like never before, and with shows like Father Knows Best, the American family was portrayed in a new way. It was just as this vibrant decade was dawning that a young couple from Munising, Michigan, was delighted with the birth of a healthy baby girl on May 16, 1950. Carlotta Marlene was the oldest of eight children born to her parents, George and Audrey (Greene) Barnes. Joined in her family by her younger siblings, Ray, Kay, Karen, Georgia, Guy, Julie, and Audrey, Carlotta and the Barnes family moved around quite bit, which left her attending various schools during her earliest school years. When she was 12 they put down roots in Muskegon. In many ways Carlotta experienced a childhood that was a reflection of the times. Her father was a foundry worker at Campbell, Wyant & Cannon while her mother was a homemaker. Carlotta enjoyed things like playing outside with her siblings and cousins, playing the family punch game, dancing, and playing cards as family. She looked forward to big family get togethers for the holidays as family was always an important part of her life. Although Carlotta dropped out of school in the eighth grade, she did go back to school through the adult education program at Fruitport High School, graduating when she was 30. From there she attended one semester in college, studying early childhood education. Life truly began for Carlotta when she became the mother of two amazing girls, Nicole in 1973 and Hope in 1976. They lived in Fruitport where she raised her girls in a home that was rooted in unconditional love. Having family devotions was an integral part of Carlottas home as God was a cornerstone in their lives. She also instilled within her girls the importance of being together with family and friends. Carlotta made Christmas special for her girls, and no matter how little they had they always celebrated the birth of Jesus. Some of the memories her girls treasure most are Christmas Eve pajamas, birthday dinners, Sunday get-togethers, and picnics at the Pomona Park in Fruitport. Many of the times they went places Carlotta and her girls walked including frequent visits to the library and park. They got a bit more than they bargained for, however, as it ended up being a long and tough walk when they took the railroad tracks from Twin Lake to Holton. In addition to caring for her own girls, Carlotta seized every opportunity to give of herself to others. She frequently babysat, and she also regularly volunteered at church including Fruitport Bethel Baptist Church and later, Central Assembly Church of God. Carlotta was a mom to whomever needed it, and she considered it a privilege to do so. She was a loyal friend who shared special friendships with Sharon Crummel, Paula Reames, Rebecca Pearl, Jane Schutter, Poppy, and Patsy Alivir. Her Maltese, Pita Bread, was a treasured companion for the past seven month's. All who knew Carlotta would agree that she was truly unique. She kept busy with things such as sewing, game nights, playing card games like cribbage, and making homemade greeting cards. Movie dates and being part of church groups were additional favorites. When her daughters were grown they took a memorable trip to oceanside Florida where priceless memories were made by them all. When reflecting on the life of Carlotta Barnes, words such as kind, giving, and patient come to mind, however, it was her amazing strength as a prayer warrior that will be her lasting legacy. She was continually looking for ways that she could help others in ways both great and small. It was easy to see that Carlotta loved to worship the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind, and that it was her faith that put the joy in her heart each new day. She was always willing to forgive, and she offered love freely and without condition. Encouraging, loving, and giving, Carlotta was a true gift to all who were blessed to be within her reach.