Marcella Barlow

(From Parker Mortuary)

Marcella Celeste Barlow, age 90, of Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2022 at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.

Marcella, daughter of the late Leo and Florence (Wheeler) Tharpe, was born on September 1, 1931 in Anderson, MO. 

She grew up and attended school in Anderson, graduating with the Anderson High School Class of 1949. Soon after she attended Joplin Jr. College and then to Pittsburg State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She later completed her master’s degree from the University of Colorado, in Boulder.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Hal Barlow, on June 10, 1956. Together they enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Hal preceded her in death on November 28, 2011.

Marcella was a music teacher for the Webb City School District for over 30 years and a member of the Byers Avenue Methodist Church in Joplin for over 40 years. She was a member of the AAUW and enjoyed volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House for several years. Marcella’s many hobbies included gardening, canning, sewing, and traveling.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Barbara Taylor, Lorena McCleney, and Merril and Leo Tharpe.

Marcella is loving survived by her family, Mark and Patricia Barlow, of Joplin, and their children, Brenden Barlow, Hailey North, Juliana Fontenot, Jared Roseberry, Becky Collier; Galen and Josie Barlow, of Kaiser, and their children, Paige Barlow, and Hayden Barlow; Brent & Luz-Dary Barlow of Boston, MA, and their children, Anysia and Aaron Barlow; great grandchildren, Liliah North, Paislee North, Eliza Collier, and Noah Collier; and one great-great grandchild, Khalil Collier.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Byers Avenue United Methodist Church in Joplin with Pastor Chuck Kralik officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities or the Byers Avenue United Methodist Church and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.