Christine Barnes

Proverbs 31:16-17 “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”

Christine Waul Barnes, 94, of D’Iberville, MS passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on November 6, 2023. “Peaches,” as she was affectionately known to her friends, was born to Roland and May (Segree) Waul December 15,1929, and raised in Panama City, Panama. As was traditional for her time, she received her secondary education in Kingston, Jamaica. She came to the United States, met, and later married James Alexander Barnes in 1953. Together, they raised four children: Andre, Lance, Jerrold, and Michael.

The unfortunate circumstance of becoming a widow did not stop Peaches from raising four strong, intelligent young men. She was an amazing woman who demonstrated wit, humor, leadership, an optimistic demeanor, and a keen intellect. She possessed a tangible Divine Nature. Surely, for all who knew her, to know her was to love her.

Her beautiful three-story home in Mount Vernon, New York, was a central hub of activity for over 50 years. These events included card parties, seasonal celebrations, extended- family gatherings, and countless birthday parties. Joyous times that will always be remembered

She was employed as an executive secretary at Jackson China/Commercial Decal in the Northern Bronx for many years. She later partnered with her lifelong friend, Trevor Warren. Together, they spent their golden years in a picturesque cottage overlooking Montego Bay, Jamaica.

After returning to Jamaica with Trevor (deceased June 2010), they continued to travel. She even marched with a crew in Rio’s Carnivale. Mom donated her time to a wide variety of non-profit and public service organizations. This included the Kiwanis Club and the International Women’s Club of Montego Bay, Jamaica, which published a cookbook with 12 of her famous recipes including Arroz Con Pollo.          Chris’s “green thumb” and horticultural magic established her a legendary reputation.

Desiring to be close to their grandchildren, Trevor and Christine moved to D’Iberville to be under the care of Christine’s second oldest son, Dr. Phillip L. Barnes, in 2008. Christine was a joyous person and was always the life of the party. She was a person of principles and morals that she instilled in each one of her family members. She loved to travel and completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every day. She was an avid reader who would go through three novels a week, had a love for dancing and having an enjoyable time. She spoke three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

She is preceded in passing by her siblings, Peter (Bunny), Cecile, Hazel, Carmen, and Roland (Junior).

She is survived by four sons: Dr. Phillip Barnes (Susan Barnes), Michael Barnes, Andre Waul, and Jerrold Barnes; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Message from the Grandchildren: Our family lost a matriarch, but heaven gained an angel. She was the light in the twinkle of our eye, and she will forever be in our hearts. We love you and will miss you, but we will ensure that your legacy continues.

Message from the Children: “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.”- Maya Angelou

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Infinity Funeral Home, at 4:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Save the Children or Doctors Without Borders.

Infinity Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Ms. Christine Barnes.  For inquiries, call 228-436-6722.