Mary Esther Barnett

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mary Esther Barnett, 81, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away suddenly on September 8, 2026, in Carl Junction, Missouri.

Mary Esther was born on September 3, 1945, in Joplin, Missouri, to the late, Harold and Edna (Burns) Irwin. She grew up surrounded by family and the values of hard work, faith, and kindness that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1963 and later attended classes at Joplin Junior College. Those who knew her best will remember her as a loving, kind, and generous woman whose gentle spirit touched many lives.

Mary Esther shared 61 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Barney Burnett, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and service to others. She was also preceded in death by her son, Bryan Barnett; and her brothers, Harold and Gerald Irwing. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Ginger Barnett; her grandchildren, Karley Meyers and her husband Tyler, and Kendra Walker and her husband Matthew; her great-grandchildren, Lucy, Luke, and Adeline; and her nieces and nephews, Geratt Irwin and his wife Jessica, Grady, Macajah, and Gera Irwin.

Mary Esther was a faithful Christian whose relationship with the Lord was an important part of her daily life. She read her Bible every day and lived out her beliefs through the way she cared for others. She was a member of the Carl Junction Nazarene Church, where her presence and quiet devotion were appreciated by many. Her faith gave her strength, comfort, and purpose, and it remained a steady foundation throughout her life.

For more than 20 years, Mary Esther served as a cook at the First Baptist Church Learning Center in Carl Junction. She took great pride in her work and cared deeply for the children and families she served. Her warm smile, dependable nature, and nurturing heart made her a blessing to those around her. She also helped her husband in the family construction business, where her support and dedication were an important part of their shared efforts. She approached every responsibility with grace and a willingness to help wherever she was needed.

Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Hedge-Lewis Goodwin Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Carl Junction Cemetery, Carl Junction, Missouri. Family will receive friends on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers include Geratt Irwin, Roy Irwin, Spence Jackson, Matthew Walker, Tyler Meyers, Brent Irwin. Honorary Pallbearers are Matthew Irwin and Mark DeGraff.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.