Genie Lois Barnett, affectionately known as "Big Mama" was born on May 1, 1912 in Cairo, Ga. to Genie Hadley Hines and Matthew Hines.
Genie's Christian journey began when in 1926 at the age of 14 she gave her life to the Lord. Her church home was Bethel Baptist Church in Cairo. At the age of 15, Genie's mother passed away. Being the oldest girl at home, she assumed the role of mother to her brothers and sisters.
In 1928, Genie and her family moved to Sapulpa, Okla., where she met and married Bates Barnett.
After their marriage was the birth of their daughter Thelma and two laters their daughter Lilly was born.
By 1942 there were four more children born: Verdie, Mary, Bates Jr. and Matthew. And shortly after her last daughter Lois was born.
In December of 1957, Genie and her family moved to Portland,. On Sept. 3, 1963 she lost the love of her life, Bates Barnett her husband of 33 years, passed away.
Genie is preceded in death by her husband, Bates Sr., daughter, Lois Barnett and parents Matthew Hines and Genie Hadley Hines. She leaves to mourn, her 7 children: Thelma Harris (Clarence), Lilly Gibson, Bates Barnett Jr. (Susan), Verdie Stewart, Mary Butler (Robert) and Matthew Barnett (Nathalee); 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; sisters: Florence Johnson, Eunice Adams and Jessie Andrews; brothers: Roy Hines and Raymond Hines; sister in-law: Annie May Copeland; sister in-law: Annie May Copeland; step sister: Willie Mae Peters; brother in-law: Willie Barnett and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements By Cox & Cox
