Ann Ford Barrett

Ann Ford Barrett passed away peacefully at The Arrington (Columbus, MS) on September 16, 2016, after battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Visitation will be held at Cockrell Funeral Home on September 20th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. , and also at Macon Presbyterian Church at 10:00 a.m. on September 21st. Funeral services will follow at Macon Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on September 21st, with Rev. Phillip Palmertree officiating. Interment will be Oddfellows Cemetery. Cockrell Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Ann was born in Jackson MS on September 8, 1927, but moved to Noxubee County at an early age with her parents Burton and Florence Ford. She graduated from Macon High School, where she was Miss Macon High. She later graduated from MSCW (now MUW) with a degree in Social Studies. She was active in campus life there, serving in Student Government , the Student Christian Association, and the campus newspaper staff.

Ann was married to the love of her life , John L. Barrett of Shuqualak, MS , on May 31, 1950. Their marriage of 57 years was an example of oneness, sacrificial love, and service.

After returning to college during the summers to pursue teacher certification in the mid 60’s, she soon began her role as an educator serving at Macon Attendance Center, and then Central Academy. Her teaching career at Central spanned over 15 years, teaching Reading. American History, and Mississippi history. In addition , she worked alongside her husband in an office administration role at Central for several years prior to their retirement.

Her civic activities included Macon Junior Auxiliary, DAR, Pilot Club, Girl Scouts, MUW Alumni Council, Women’s Study Circle, Cub Scout den mother, and Noxubee County Republican Women. In addition, she devoted countless hours of service at Macon Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed teaching Children’s Sunday school and Bible School there, and enjoyed serving in the work of the Women in the Church.

Although Ann had a busy life of work and service, her love of her family was paramount. She was devoted to her husband, and cared for him tirelessly during the latter years of his life. Ann always nurtured, encouraged, and supported her three children. Throughout her life, she cherished her time and conversations with each one. Although separated by distance in their adult lives, she adored her two younger sisters. Bringing her particular joy and laughter in her latter years, were her four grandsons, Matt and Michael Bailey, and John and Jim Barrett.

Ann is survived by two daughters, Karen Barrett of Macon, MS, and Betsy Bailey(Eb) of Apex, NC; one son, Johnny Barrett(Ev) of Oxford, MS; two sisters, Janet Booth of Anniston AL and Florence Fortenberry of Atlanta , GA; and four grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents , Burton and Florence Ford, and by her husband, John L. Barrett in 2007.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Central Academy, Macon Presbyterian Church, or Triangle Down Syndrome Network, Raleigh NC(in honor of Michael Bailey). Finally, the family is grateful for the care provided by the staff at The Arrington, , as well as Mom’s friend and caregiver , Carolyn Poindexter.