Phyllis A. Barnes, 89, of Marion, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 4:35 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at University Nursing Center in Upland. Born on August 9, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, Phyllis was the daughter of Carlos and Marcille (Wright) Carter. On April 26, 1958, she married her childhood sweetheart, Ted A. Barnes, with whom she shared 37 years of devotion and family life before his death in December 1995.
Phyllis graduated from Marion High School and earned her bachelor’s of nursing degree at Ball State University and ultimately received her masters in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University.
A dedicated and compassionate nurse, Phyllis worked for 32 years at Marion VA Medical Center. She served as the head nurse in the psychiatric ward for 24 years and then as a community health nurse for 8 years before retiring in 1994. She was committed to caring for others throughout her career and remained active in her community long after retirement. She then worked 18 years at her daughter’s tax practice.
A faithful member of Hanfield Global United Methodist Church, Phyllis was actively involved in the church’s women’s ministry and faithfully organized the annual nuts sale for many years. She was a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employee (NARFE), the Daughters of the American Revolution, and during her time at Ball State University became a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.
Phyllis had a deep love for her family and cherished every opportunity to bring them together. She hosted countless family gatherings and holidays, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. An avid Indianapolis Colts fan, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 to watch the Colts play the New Orleans Saints. She also enjoyed wildlife, feeding birds, watching sports, and took great pride in maintaining her yard, especially mowing her lawn. Above all, Phyllis was devoted to her family and loved spending time with those she held dear.
Survivors include her son, Thomas (Jayne) Barnes of Marion; daughters, Tonee (Carl) Pieroni of Muncie and Dru (Kevin) McCoy of Marion; grandchildren, Toby (Angela) Barnes, Ashley (Anthony) Ervin, Justin Barnes, Brent (Stephanie) Paull, Cory (Kate) Paull, and Katie (Joshua) Downing; great-grandchildren, Travis, Bailey, Roslyn, Liam, Jayden, Easton, Jase, and Riley; and great-great-grandchildren, Simon and Victoria.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Marcille Carter, and her husband, Ted A. Barnes.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of University Nursing Center and Heart to Heart Hospice, especially David Miller, RN for the compassionate care they provided to Phyllis.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana.
Immediately following visitation, a service to celebrate Phyllis’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will follow at Marion IOOF Cemetery.
Phyllis will be remembered for her caring heart, unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and the love she shared with family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy of service and devotion will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Foundation of Grant County c/o Marcille “Grandma” Carter Fund 505 W. 3rd St. Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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