Margaret Clara Barnes

Margaret Clara “Baba” Barnes, 90, of Johnson City, Tennessee, and formerly of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Margaret was born October 28, 1935, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, to the late Paul Patterson and Ruth McCandless Patterson. She was raised on a farm in rural western Pennsylvania, where she spent her childhood surrounded by a wide variety of animals. As an only child, she developed a special love for animals and found great joy in their companionship.

She graduated from Slippery Rock High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University. While working at a golf course, she met the love of her life, Bernard “Barney” Barnes. The two were married on January 26, 1957, and together built a life centered on family, raising their three children: Brian, Paula, and Patti.

Margaret dedicated much of her career to education, teaching preschool and elementary school students and also serving as a substitute teacher. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and was known for her warm spirit and caring nature.

She loved shopping and had a special talent for finding a good bargain. Margaret also had a lifelong affection for horses, dogs, and cardinals. She enjoyed traveling and, for a time, shared that passion with others while working as a bus tour guide.

In the last five years of her life, Margaret made her home in East Tennessee, where she attended church and later moved to Colonial Hill Retirement Home. There, she formed many cherished friendships with both residents and staff.

Above all else, Margaret treasured her role as “Baba.” Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she deeply enriched their lives just as they enriched hers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Barney, in 1990.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Brian K. Barnes and wife, Dara; Paula Barnes Brown and husband, James M.; and Patti Crum and husband, Todd. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer Crum, Josh (Samantha) Brown, Madelyne (Matt) Pieringer, Beth Crum, Nathaniel (Stephanie) Pieringer, Caiti Brown, and Mitchell (Karly) Brown; and her great-grandchildren: Luke, Charlotte, Weston, Jay, Jack, and Ford.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Slippery Rock University Foundation Inc., Slippery Rock University, 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA 16057-9985.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is honored to serve the Barnes family. (423) 282-1521.