Elvina Thomas Barnes was born on March 30, 1941 to the late Celestine K. Dedeaux of DeLisle, MS and Lexie Thomas of DeLisle, MS. She peacefully departed her earthly life on December 29, 2021.

Elvina was better known as "Ms. Barnes" to many. She attended Saint Stephens School and Randolph High School where she received accolades from various organizations, graduating in 1961. After graduating, she moved to Chicago, IL with intention to further her education. She received her Associates in Liberal Arts from Kennedy-King College in 1972 and went on to Chicago State to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973. She moved back to Mississippi in 1974 to begin her career teaching in the Hancock County School District at Hancock North Central Elementary. She obtained a Master in Education in 1990. In 1993, Ms. Barnes transferred to the Pass Christian School District to continue touching students' lives at Pass Christian High School. Her patience and compassionate efforts, and pleasant demeaner was recognized by all. She served faithfully as the sponsor of the Christian Fellowship Club where her individual instruction helped build the self-esteem of many students. Her professional and personal dedication aided her to play an important role in promoting student achievement. Ms. Barnes retired in 2000 after seven years of dedicated service in the Pass Christian School District and a total of 25 years in education.

During her tenure as educator in the school district, she also served in different capacities as educator outside of the classroom. She was actively involved with the children in her own church at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in DeLisle, MS. She also assisted in a leadership role working along side other educators at Goodwill Baptist Church in Pass Christian, MS  over the children's drill team.

Her life of teaching did not end after retirement from the school district. She soon accepted her new calling into ministry. It was in June 2002 when she became licensed for pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church. Her pastoral mentorship began under Pastor McClain at her home church, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. She was later appointed Assistant Pastor of Riley Chapel United Methodist Church in Gulfport, MS where Pastor Beasley was the Senior Pastor. In 2006 she was appointed to pastor her own church, St. Rock United Methodist Church in Waveland, MS where she remained until her retirement in 2015. Her retirement from the ministry did not stop her from continuing to minister to her own children and grandchildren reminding them of the importance of having their own relationship with the Lord.

Rev. Barnes was blessed with a loving family. She married her lifelong partner, Luther Barnes, in 1976. By her side he faithfully stood and supported her through her career as educator, her pastoral assignments and especially throughout all other life transitions. Together they raised three wonderful daughters – Tamika, Takiyah and Yineda.

Rev. Barnes was preceded in death by her mother, Celestine K. Dedeaux and brother, Herman J. Page of DeLisle, MS.

Precious memories will forever be in the hearts of her husband of 45 years, Luther Barnes of Pass Christian, MS; her daughters, Tamika (Glennis) Barnes of Flowery Branch, GA; Takiyah (John) Martin of Byram, MS; and Yineda England of Gulfport, MS; and nine grandchildren, Darius, Ashton (Amanda), John, III, Taj, Christopher, Aden, Matthew, Aysia and Ava; and a host of family and friends.

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