Ms. Alma Little Barnes

A loved one has departed from this earth for “a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God.” - Hebrews 11:10 Yes, Mom, you have gone before us and we sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. We sorrow because we will miss your encouraging directions and the love you gave to your family, friends, and community. Mrs. Alma Ree Little Barnes, daughter of the late Arthur and Suzie Little, was born November 22, 1927 into the Stokes community. As a young girl, she attended Post Stokes Grammar School and Bethel Union High School; she continued her educational pursuits at Elizabeth City Teachers College, known today as Elizabeth City State University. Upon graduating from college in April 1951, Alma entered into a long, robust career as an educator in the Pitt County School System. She invested decades in teaching early childhood education, serving also for a short time as a supervisor of Pitt County Schools. The administrative role of school supervisor, however, left her yearning for the “one-on-one” personal relationship with children. Recognizing that her gifts and heartfelt passions for “her students” were best utilized in the classroom setting, she resigned her supervisory position and returned to the class environment. Alma taught at Stokes Elementary School from 1951-1980. After a long satisfying career, she retired from teaching, but continued to invest in students, teaching and tutoring from the comforts of her living room. She received multiple service awards acknowledging her endless endeavors toward student development. Her motto was “ You can’t learn if you don’t listen.” Alma surrendered her life to Christ as a young girl and started singing in the choir at age 14. She continued to be a servant in the body of Christ until the Lord called her home December 31, 2013. She was a longtime choir member, church secretary/treasurer, Eastern Star chapter 590 member, and an ordained mother of St. John’s MBC. She served as a mentor, counselor, and friend to principals, teachers, community leaders, pastors, students and even strangers… she met the “needs”. On May 2, 1952, she married Marion Davis Barnes and to this union, a son Marion and a daughter Cynthia were born. Surviving ones left to cherish her memories are: One son, Marion (Elisse) of Silver Spring , MD.; one daughter, Cynthia of Cary, NC; one adopted daughter, Mary J. Frye of Winston Salem, NC; three grandchildren; three brothers, Willis Reed Little of Calhoun Falls, SC, Otis Little of Greenville, NC, Kenneth Little of Danbury, CT; six sisters, Agnes Peoples of Baltimore, MD, Annie Mae Wallace of Everetts, NC, Darlene Mizelle (Roger) of Robersonville, NC, Shelby Jean Weaver of Greenville, NC, Amma Lois Scott of Danbury, CT, Peggy Chance (Ben)of Greenville, NC; adopted families and friends, Isaac Pope of Kinston, NC, Larry Phair (Marian Ann) of Baltimore, MD, Grover Everette (Daisy) of Greenville, NC, Eddie Godley (Carolyn) and all of the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church family.

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Ms. Alma Little Barnes

November 22, 1927 - December 31, 2013