Martha Frances Barnette, age 80, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the Springhill Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama.

Funeral services for Martha will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Forrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Martha was born on July 5, 1945 in Panola County, Mississippi to the late Charles Edward McMinn, Sr. and Annie Merle White McMinn. Her early years were enriched by the presence of her siblings Annie Mae Owens, Irma Jean Tucker, Charles Edward "Charlie" McMinn, Jr., and Tommy Lee Pinkston, all now reunited. Martha also knew the loss of her beloved husband, Charlie F. Barnette, and her great-grandson, Tyler Tate.

Throughout her life, Martha was devoted to her family. She is survived by her son, Frankie Barnette, and her daughter, Melissa Johnson (Will). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Alisha Leigh Chambers (Blake), Charlie Wayne Barnette (Carola), Cecil Payton Barnette, Whitnie Johnson, Alyssa Pannell (Matthew), and Matthew Johnson (Sierra). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Jagger, Jax, Walker, Adelynn, Norah, Mollie Tate, Palmer Glen, and Wyatt James.

Martha was well-known for her many years as a dorm room mom at Northwest Community College, where she was affectionately called "Aunt B" by generations of college students. Her nurturing spirit provided comfort and guidance to countless young people during their influential years.

Outside her professional commitments, Martha found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved working outside in her flower beds, tending to the beauty of nature with a gentle hand. Her passion for cooking brought family and friends together around her table, creating treasured memories. Affectionately referred to as "Scooter" by her family and close friends, her kindness and deep love for her family will always be remembered.