Edith Barnes

Edith's Life Story Edith Gadson Barnes, the fifth child of eleven brothers and sisters, was born on May 6, 1934, to the late Charlie and Albertha Gadson in Maysville, North Carolina. On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 90, Edith slipped peacefully into eternal rest at her home. Edith grew up and worked hard on the family farm. She was educated in the public schools of Jones County, North Carolina. She attended Winston-Salem State Teacher’s College in Winston Salem, North Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation from college, Edith became employed with the Worcester County School System in Maryland and relocated to Snow Hill, Maryland. Edith's first teaching job was at Ross Street Elementary School in Snow Hill. She later became a fifth grade teacher at Snow Hill Middle School. Edith retired after 34 years of dedicated service. Edith loved being a teacher. She was known as a no nonsense teacher - if you were in her class, you were going to definitely LEARN! After retiring from teaching, Edith volunteered at the Haven House After School Program. She was appointed to the Worcester County Library Board and the Worcester County Board of Economic Development. Edith worked alongside her sister, Sudie, at the Sturgis One Room School Museum. Edith was also a member of the Maryland and Worcester County Retired Teachers Association where she served on the Hospitality and Scholarship Committees. Edith became a member of Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, Maryland when she was invited to go to church with one of her student’s, Luther Milbourne. Edith was very active with the Stewardship Committee, Church Council, United Methodist Women, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. Edith loved her church and sister churches, Coolspring UMC and St. Matthew’s UMC. Edith was preceded in death by: her parents, Charlie and Albertha Gadson; three brothers, Charles, Rudolph, and Douglas Gadson and two sisters, Mary Taylor and Sudie Gatling. Edith leaves to cherish her memory: son, Kenneth; daughter, Martina (fiancé Thomas); two grandchildren, Kenneth Wharton, III and Kyle Wharton; great grandchildren, Amari Wharton and Keidyn Wharton; a bonus great grandchild, Amir Levi; siblings, Margaret, Joyce, Evelyn, Dasretta and James (Alinda) and goddaughters, Lauraetta Hurst and Torsha Cunningham. Included in those left to cherish her memory are nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Edith Barnes

May 6, 1934 - January 22, 2025