Laura Sue Barnes passed away in her home on May 25, 2015, at 81 years of age.

Laura was born on March 21, 1934 in Morton, Mississippi, to Joseph and Alma Thompson. As a child, she developed a love of learning and delighted in spending time on the family farm with her eight siblings.

At Mississippi College, she met and was courted by Charles, whom she affectionately called "Barney." The couple was soon married and raised two wonderful children, Sue and David.

Laura maintained close relationships with her extended family after moving to Anne Arundel County in the early 1960s, where she and Charles were called to build Severna Park Baptist Church, and where her teaching career flourished.

She enjoyed staying closely connected to her many relatives back home, proudly sharing updates about brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews with her Maryland family members. Laura touched countless lives as a servant to her church and a gifted educator who nurtured her elementary school students and fellow teachers. She was known as an avid reader, interested traveler and enthusiastic shopper, though her faith and her family remained the great passions in her life.

Laura is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Reverend Charles Barnes, her daughter, Sue Hannahs, along with husband Jeff Hannahs, and her son, David Barnes, along with partner Stephanie Mitchell. Laura will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Andrew Villwock, Leslie Richards, along with husband Nick Richards (parents to Laura's great-granddaughter, Tess), Jessica Phillips, along with husband Alex Phillips, Katie Barnes, and Allison Hannahs.

Her family will deeply miss their beloved wife, mother and Mom-mom, who blessed their lives with her unconditional love, Southern cooking, generous spirit, and Christian compassion.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, May 28, 015 from 3:00-5:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Richie Hwy, in Severna Park, MD.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 6:00pm at Heritage Baptist Church, 1740 Forest Drive, Annapolis.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Heritage Baptist Church World Hunger Fund
1740 Forest Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401