Mary Virginia Barnes Bates devoted Christian, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and friend died peacefully in her home Sunday, October 23, 2016. Mary was born February 20, 1943 in Denver, Colorado to William Mason Barnes and Mildred Eloise Bramble Barnes. Mary had an idyllic childhood in the Northern Neck of Virginia, where she made many lifelong friends. Mary was predeceased by her parents and only brother William Mason Barnes, Jr. Mary is survived by her devoted daughter Anne Mason Bates Reed (Tim) and her grandchildren Grace Anne Reed and Grant Nolan Reed, who were her absolute joy. Mary graduated from Longwood College In Virginia and had a successful teaching career; she retired from Southport Elementary.

Graveside services will be held at the family cemetery across from Smithland Baptist Church in Heathsville, Virginia, on Friday, October 28, 2016, 2:00 pm. Those wishing to honor Mary and her love and constant care for animals may do so with donations to the Humane Society.