Russia Pearl Shelby Barnes, 96

Mrs. Russia Pearl Shelby Barnes, 96, of Mount Olive, Mississippi, passed away on September 2, 2026.

Mrs. Barnes was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Jr. Baptist Church and was very active in its programs. She was employed at Greentree Family Medical Center until her retirement. She enjoyed dancing, watching the Atlanta Braves, and spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Void Shelby and Gertrude Feazell-Shelby; Donnie Buchanan, Corene Barron, Jessie Shelby, Lavon Holis, Emma Ware, Aftedia Shelby, Jeffery Frazier, and Charles V. Shelby; her late husbands, Ethel Lee Barnes and R.T. Turner; her son, Edward Lee Barnes; and her grandchildren, Veronica Payne, Kenneth Fairley, Jr., and Thomas Barnes.

Survivors include her children, Kathryn Sims (Marzine Sims), Larraine Hicks (the late Joseph Hicks, Jr.), Ray Barnes (Rena Barnes), Wyetony Cribbs (Brigillio Ramas), Sherry McGary, Cynthia Barnes-Price, and Melinda Barnes-Collins (Jai Collins); her sister, Hazel Shelby-Milton; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers

Cecil Hayes, Julian Graves, Julio Graves, Perry Shelby, Anthony Milton, Melvin Magee, Patrick Powell, Jules Graves, Burkecelle Barron, Previn Shelby, John Davis, and Perry Norsworthy

Active Pallbearers

Corey Barnes, Rodriques Barnes, Letavius Barnes, Cedric Payne, Corey Barnes, Jr., Tagan Barnes, Randy Reese, II, and Haiden Payne

Flower Bearers

Family and Friends

Pastor Leonard Keyes officiated.