Henrietta McCord Barnes Obituary (1923 - 2012)

Mary Henrietta McCord Barnes, 88, of Taylorville, IL died at 8:58 am Saturday, February 4, 2012 at her residence. She was born October 20, 1923 in Taylorville, the daughter of Royal Mason and Edna Molly Pope Kennedy. She married William McCord of Chatham, IL on March 19, 1943 and he preceded her in death on November 2, 1973. She then married Ronald Barnes on February 1, 1980 at the Presbyterian Church in Taylorville and he also preceded her in death. She graduated from Taylorville High School and Brown's Business College. In later years she also had special training through extension courses from the University of Illinois in Lay Leadership, group dynamics, and public relations as well as in graphic arts at Richland Community College. In addition to the many demands of being a farm a farm wife and raising 4 children, she was committed to the fellowship of her church, the First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville. She served for many years as an ordained Elder as well as parish worker in many capacities including youth and Christian Education Director. She was a member of the V.O.S.H. mission to Honduras. She was also active in the Parent Teacher Association, serving on the local, district and state school boards. She served on the Kemmerer Village Board of Directors and later worked as director of public relations and development. On the lighter side, she raised Christmas trees and raised sheep enjoyed tennis, bicycling, and travel. However working with people was her true challenge and joy. Surviving are her sons: Richard Kennedy McCord of Springfield, and James Mason McCord of Rochester. and daughter Patricia Ann Bayston and husband Darwin of Orlando, FL. Grandchildren: Susan (Pat) O'Malley of Springfield, Richard (Susan) McCord of Chicago, Jeffrey (Manda) McCord of Flower Mound, TX, Doug (Jessica) McCord of Fredonia, NY, Dan (Liz) Bayston of Chicago, Roger Bayston of Alamo, CA, Robert (Liz) Bayston of Duxbury, MA, Rodd Bayston of Orlando, FL, Lisa (Adam) Cherry of New Port News, VA, and Teri (Brad) Brooks of Springfield. There are 14 Great Grandchildren. Brother: Eugene Kennedy of Taylorville. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Son Thomas William McCord, 2 brothers, Bruster Kennedy and Samuel Kennedy, and a sister Betty Jane Waterman. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, February 8 at McClure Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Hamilton officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:30 until time of service in the funeral home on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 115 East Franklin, Taylorville, IL, 62568.