Martha Jean Barnett

Martha Jean Barnett, 95, of Jonesboro, died Sunday, March 19, 2017, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center. She was the daughter of Edgar and Maude Booker and was born and raised in Jonesboro. She was known best in the community and region for her musical talent. From age 4 when she began playing the piano for her parents as they sang in area churches until she retired at age 90 as organist of the First Christian Church in Jonesboro, music brought joy to her and all who heard her. She added signature “flourishes” to her performances – usually in the form of playful arpeggios or cheery improvisations – which made her playing instantly recognizable to seasoned listeners.
Martha was a graduate of Jonesboro High School and attended Arkansas State College. With her husband Frank and other members of the Barnett family, she owned and operated Modern Music Store, C&F Home Furnishings, and C&F Construction Company. They also performed in a musical combo, the Thunderbirds, throughout northeast Arkansas, southeast Missouri and northwest Mississippi. After retirement, Martha worked part-time for several years at Douglas Medical Pharmacy.

Martha loved to laugh and share amusing stories. Whenever she noted that her daughter Becky studied business in college, Martha would remember how she caught a 4-year-old Becky charging the neighborhood kids a dime each to come view her baby sister. Martha was also patient and kind-hearted. When a grandson proudly reported to “Mar” that he’d made her chocolate pie edible by removing and discarding the “weird skin” on top, she praised him for his initiative – and then gently explained the culinary concept of a meringue.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Booker; her husband of 30 years, Frank Barnett; and a stepson, Cecil Barnett.

She is survived by two daughters, Becky Urton and Carolyn Hudgins, both of Jonesboro; granddaughters Ellen Urton, Manhattan, KS; Debbie (Will) Papich, Decatur, AL, and Cheri (Robert) Elliott, Mims, FL; grandsons James Urton, Seattle, WA and Jeff Barnett (Dana Wood), Orlando, FL; daughter-in-law Sandra Barnett of Mims, FL; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A visitation will be from 5 – 6pm Monday, March 27 at Emerson Memorial Chapel.

A memorial service will follow the visitation starting at 6pm Monday, March 27 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Jerry Wilcox officiating.

Lasting memorials may be made to the music fund or the building fund of First Christian Church, 2600 Woodsprings Road, Jonesboro, AR 72404.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the staffs of St.
Elizabeth’s Place, Morningside of Jonesboro, St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center 3 East Wing, and St. Bernard’s Hospice and to Dr. Corey Diamond for the tender loving care provided to our mother and grandmother.