James Barton Sr.

Obituary For James Barton Sr.

Place of Service: Truelight M.B. Church (Graveside) (Walnut Grove, Ms.)

Date of Service: April 22nd, 2023 At: 1:00 p.m.

Visitation: April 21st, 2023 From: 9a.m. - 5p.m. (Walnut Grove, Ms.)

Internment: Truelight M.B. Church Cemetery (Walnut Grove, Ms.)

A TIME TO BE BORN (ECCLESIASTES3:12) James Rich-Barton was born to the union of William Rich and Sara Hood Rich on October 7,th 1923 in Clay County, Ms. Deacon James Barton lived and worked in the Mississippi Delta as a carpenter and farmer. Deacon Barton met and married Era Mae Thames on June 3rd, 1944 in Leflore County, Ms. He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. His overseas tenure was in the South Pacific where he endured many challenges. Deacon Barton was proud of his service in the United States Army.

A TIME TO SERVE (EPHESIAN 6:6-8) In 1959, Deacon Barton and wife moved to Walnut Grove, Ms. to honor his wife's request to move back to her hometown. As a builder, carpenter and farmer, he went to work. He joined Truelight M.B. Church under Rev. I.C. Day as the youngest deacon at the time. Deacon Barton and wife reared their 15 children up in the way of Christ. His wife, Era Mae, one daughter, Rebecca, and several brothers and sisters preceded him in death. Deacon Barton served faithfully as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and Cemetery Manager. He was excited about his church family, but the greatest joy came from his wife, children, grand and great grandchildren. A family given to a man who had room for everyone. He was a workman in his garden and fields. He was an earthly man of God.

A TIME TO BE TRAINED (PSALM 27:4) Deacon James Barton received his educational training in Clay County and the Leake County Adult Training School in Leake County. Deacon Barton loved talking about the bible with whomever he met.

A TIME TO LAUGH (ECCLESIASTES 3:4) Deacon James Barton always made time for his family. Three meals a day, at the table laughing, was a special time to eat, tell stories, give parental instructions and know that our father was always at home with us at the end and beginning of everyday. Listening to his voice was a comfort that only Daddy provided.

A TIME TO SAY GOODBYE (PSALM 27:4) The family will cherish the memories of our father who lived to be 99 1/2 years old. Deacon James Barton (Daddy) will leave his legacy of his children: ten boys, James Barton, Jr. (Dorothy); Andrew (Lucille Deceased); Howard; Willie J. (Ver-netta); Jonathan (Maria); John Wayne (Thelma); Mark (Rinette); Timothy (Mylin); Jacob; and Luke; four girls, Doris Henson (Supt. Bobbie); Gwendolyn Reid (Tony deceased); Diana Harrison (Elder Ellis); Renessa Bryant (Elder Thomas); forty one grandchildren; the number of great grandchildren is a number too great to count at this time; one sister, Mary Ruth Barton-Nelson; a son in law, Elder Milton Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.