Mary Elizabeth Walker Barnette, age 86, of Kentwood Street, Lenoir, died Friday, March 20, 2026 at The Greens of Viewmont in Hickory.  She was born March 6, 1940 in Ashe County to the late H.V. Walker and Margaret Parsons Walker.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Jones Barnette and sister, Beelie Jean Pruett.

Survivors include her son, Richard Lee Howell and wife Rebeka of Sparta, NC;

Grandchildren, Richard Lee Howell, Jr and wife Alicia of Walnut Cove, NC; Sheila Lynn Howell and husband Rob of Lexington, NC; four great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Howell, Leah Howell, Dakato Howell, and Megan Howell.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Big Flatts Baptist Church Cemetery, 2373 Big Flatts Church Road, Fleetwood, NC conducted by Rev. Stuart White.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Whitnel, PO Box 2999, Lenoir, NC 28645

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Barnette family.