Lorene Thelma McClung Barnett, 98, died on Saturday, July 22, at Starkville Manor in Starkville. A longtime resident of Winona, Mrs. Barnett was a native of Blaine County, Okla. and remained close to her Oklahoma roots throughout her lifetime. A visitation was held on Wednesday, July 26, at First Presbyterian Church in Winona, beginning at 2:30 p.m., with services following at the church at 3 p.m. Interment was in Geary Cemetery in Geary, Okla.
Mrs. Barnett was born on September 25, 1918, to Ralph Lindley and Kitty Mae Souther McClung. She graduated from Greenfield School in 1935 and married Cecil Edward Barnett on September 4, 1938, while he was completing his degree in poultry science at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla.
Following his graduation, his career took them to several locations in Missouri and to Mississippi State University, where the couple spent the World War II years living in an apartment in the Pearson Place on Louisville Street in Starkville. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett remained staunch Bulldog fans throughout the years.
The allure of owning their own business prompted them to settle in Winona, where they were partners in life and in business, operating Barnett's Hatchery in Winona for more than 40 years. Together, they also managed the North District One Water Association. Following her husband's death in 1986, Mrs. Barnett continued as an employee of the water association, maintaining their billing until her retirement at age 89.
A devoted member of Winona's First Presbyterian Church, and a charter member of the Winona Lioness Club, Mrs. Barnett remained active in her church and community until her move to Starkville in 2013.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and a caring neighbor and friend to many. Her recipes for chicken spaghetti and homemade ice cream are part of her beloved legacy. She adored her horses, dogs, and cats, and took great pride in being fiercely independent, travelling the country by car and airplane on her own for many years.
Mrs. Barnett is survived by two sons, Lindle Edward Barnett of Chicago, Ill., and Jack Lee Barnett (June) of Starkville; and one grandson, Zachary Lindle Barnett and his mother, Leslee Evans, both of Chicago, Ill. Her immediate family wishes to thank her extended family members and friends for their kind attention and remembrances. They also wish to thank the compassionate staff at Vickers Personal Care Home, Starkville Manor, and Legacy Hospice in Starkville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, 302 Summit Street, Winona, MS 38967; or to French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona (www.ofhwinona.com) handled arrangements.
