Mary F. Barnes

Mary F. Barnes, the only child of William and Martha Hopkins, was born March 14, 1925 in the little town of Parmale, North Carolina. She attended the local Public School System.

At an early age Mary and family moved from North Carolina and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania were she continued her education and graduated with a Degree in Nursing from the McGhee Hospital School of Nursing in Oakland, PA. Mary decided to move from Pennsylvania to South River, NJ to begin a new life for her family.

She was gainfully employed as a Nurse at Middlex General Hospital as well as working Private Duty before retiring from Roosevelt Hospital in Edison, NJ after 30 years of dedicated service.

Mary is also affectionally know as “Miss Mary”. In addition to working as a Nurse and raising a family, she prepared meals for her family, neighbors and for community

gatherings. Growing up as a little girl, Mary always had a passion for cooking and received raving reports about her “mouth-watering” delicious food. She was constantly reminded and strongly encouraged to start her own business. After much thought, prayers, discussions among family members and friends, Mary decided to open her famous M.F.B Catering Service. She received calls from all over the state to do catering for weddings, church functions, personal parties, family re-unions, and cook-outs. Needless to say, the rest is history.

Mary has been a member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens for over 60 years. Under the leadership of her pastors, Rev. C. G. Wooding, Rev. C. H. Brown, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., and Rev. Dante R. Quick, Ph.D.

She was a member of numerous organizations, including:

The Middlesex Central Baptist Association

Member of the General Baptist Convention of NJ

Commissioner of Highland Park Housing Authority for 19 years

Member of the Democratic Committee

Member of the Order of the Eastern Star

Director of FBCLG Senior Fellowship Ministry

FBCLG Nurses Ministry

Owner and Operator of MFB Catering Service

Vice President of Women United

Employed by Costco Wholesale chain at 95 years old

Pastor Soaries “RIGHT HAND WOMAN”

Mary relocated from Somerset, NJ to Bradenton, FL in 2020 where she departed this life on March 10, 2024 surround by her love ones.

She is predeceased by her parents, William and Martha Hopkins, grandson, Derrick Stephenson, great-grandson, Marcus Marshall, great-granddaughter, Arianna Marshall.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Rev. Betty McQueen (Rev. Leo) of Bradenton, FL, Barbara Davis of Bradenton, FL, two sons, Rev. Jerome Walker (Rev. Marie) of Willingboro, NJ, Michael Fisher (Kelley) of Bradenton, FL, 8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.