Obituary of Ernest R. Barnes

On Sunday September 11, 2022 Rev. Ernest R. Barnes departed this life after a brief illness. Ernest was born in St. Mary’s County Maryland to Amos and Martha Lee Barnes. His early childhood was spent in Baltimore, MD and Port Norris, NJ. Ernest graduated as valedictorian from Port Norris High School in 1945 and was one of two African American to attend. Later attending the Nursing program at Cumberland County Vo- Tech receiving a certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse also attending their Horticultural program there. His love of plants and gardening continued throughout his life. Many often stop to admire the landscaping displayed in his yard. After 20 years he retired from the Veterans Hospital in Vineland as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In preparation for the ministry he attended Crozier Theological Institute in Chester, PA. Studying Homology and History of the Christian Church. He studied church administration at the Universal Life Church of Modesto CA and was ordained by them. He attended the source of Life Missions of Tennessee. In 1969 Ernest found his true love when he became ordained. He began his ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church at Port Norris, NJ He has pastored several churches serving as assistant pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, Port Norris, NJ. Interim pastor at Mt. Calvary Milmay, NJ Pastor at St. John’s Baptist Church Springtown, NJ and was called to Macedonia Baptist Church. He was pastor of Macedonia for 43 years until becoming pastor emeritus upon his retirement in October of 2021. Throughout his life Rev. Ernest Barnes received many awards and special recognition and achievements. In 1997 he founded the P.U.C.S Pastors United Community Service Along with Bishop Myrtle Mays. In November of 2008 he was honored as a “Legend of Port Norris “by the Port Norris Historical Society. He is preceded in death by his parents Captain Amos Barnes and Martha Lee Barnes. Sisters Agnes and Rosemary brother Amos Barnes (Skippy). Stepfather Gilbert Green Nellie Johnson and Mildred Smith mothers of his children. Sons Henry Braxton and Charles Smith. Daughters Nancy and Iris .Nephew Harold Barnes niece Donna Weems Ernest leaves to mourn devoted wife Gladys .Loving family sisters Thelma Weems Port Norris, Delois Barnes Md. brother Douglas (Shirley) Green Vineland, NJ. Sons Ernest Barnes Jr. (Gerry) DE, Glenn Barnes (Claire) El Reno Oklahoma, Michael Barnes NJ Michael Barnes East Orange NJ Ricardo Barnes Mays Landing NJ (Loretta) Roland Carter (Brenda) Sicklerville, NJ. Daughter Anita Barnes-Edwards ( David)Philadelphia ,PA 21 Grandkids 25 Great grandkids 13 nieces and 16 nephews and a host of other family and friends from the many organizations he was a part of. Especially the members of Macedonia Baptist Church in Egg Harbor, NJ