Mary Pauline (Brinson) Barnett

Mrs. Mary Barnett, age 90, of Fleming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, August 2, 2025, in her daughter’s home, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 15, 1935, Mary was the daughter of the late Ernest and Julia Brinson. She spent most of her life in coastal Liberty County, where she found joy in the simple pleasures of the intercoastal waterways and the ocean. A lifelong beach lover, she delighted in collecting seashells and spent countless days fishing, shrimping, and crabbing alongside her husband and family.

Mary was a devoted wife to Ray S. Barnett for 25 years until his passing in April of 1981. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Fleming and loved being a part of the Fleming community. She was known for her infectious “squeaky” laugh, her sharp sense of humor, and her unwavering love for Elvis Presley. She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, browsing the aisles of Goodwill for hidden treasures and Danielle Steele books, and talking on the phone with her best friend, Margie Crowley.

Her happiest moments were spent with family—especially dinners at her daughter’s home, road trips with her cousin Dianne, and cherished vacations to Jekyll Island. She especially loved watching her nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandson play ball, always cheering wildly from the stands. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister and brother-in-law, Ernestine and Fred “Junior” Phillips. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Paul A. “Bubba” Crowley; her grandchildren, Steven and Morgan Crowley; her great-grandson, Riggs Crowley; her niece, Cindy McCallar; her cousin, Dianne Haymans; countless nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and her cat, Pretty Girl.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home in Hinesville, Georgia, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. John Ryan, Rev. Ricky Rushing, and Rev. James D. Callaway will be officiating the service.

Honorary pall bearers for Mary include Paul Barnett, Jr., Greg McCallar, Phillip McCallar, Wayne Browning, Dustin Norris, Tommy Connolly, John Crowley, Richard “Buster” Barnett, and Ronnie Barnett.

Mary will be deeply missed, but her legacy of warmth, humor, and devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to enjoy time in nature, spend time with family, or listen to a favorite Elvis song in her memory.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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