Mearyles Jean (Willard) Barton

Mearyles Willard Barton passed peacefully into the immediate presence of God on June 6, 2022. Her life began on August 2, 1929. She was the oldest of four children of the late Hollen and Leola Willard. She was a member of New Philadelphia Moravian church and an active member of the David Jones Sunday School class until recent years. One of her strongest characteristics was her ability to truly care for people. She returned to school at age 40 to pursue a nursing career after raising her children. She spent more than 20 years working at Baptist Hospital doing what she loved. She touched many lives with her caring heart, amazing nursing skills and compassion. Her favorite pastime was reading. She developed this passion early in school and continued all her life. She enjoyed getting lost in her books often reading 2 or more books at a time. Little known fact about Mearyles is her performances singing in her school plays and continuing performing in PTA musicals while her children were in school. She even injured her knee doing the can-can dance in one of the plays. She was a consistent volunteer for PTA, a room mom, chaperone on numerous band trips and being a mom to all the kids she encountered. 

Her greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly known as Merle, Mom and Mamaw. She will always be remembered for her hugs and always remarked “you are so warm” when hugged, her famous “mamaw  style” eggs, creamed potatoes and fried chicken. She absolutely loved cooking and was happy in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family.

She is survived by husband, Paul Barton. Children Barry Jones and Sherri Bolen and her husband French. She was blessed by her grandchildren Christopher and Mary Bolen, Sarah and David Jarnagin and Caroline Bolen and precious great-grandchildren, Rylee Jarnagin, Cameron and Grayson Bolen. She is also survived by her brother Roger Willard, as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends.

There will be a graveside service at Forsyth Memorial Park on Friday, June 10, at 1:00 pm. Flowers are beautiful and appreciated, or give a bouquet to a loved one or contribute to a favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.