Mrs. Jo Ann Merritt Barnes 76, of Lake Waccamaw died Monday, May 16, 2016 in Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Lifecare Center, Whiteville. She was born in August 12, 1939 in Columbus County, the daughter of the late John Henry Merritt and Floyd Ophelia Hardie Merritt. She was the widow of Kenneth M. Barnes, Sr.

Jo Ann was employed with UCB for thirty-two years and Pawn South for fifteen years. She was a member of the Mental Health Board and served three terms on the Columbus County Board of Education. She was a member of Lake Waccamaw First Baptist Church for thirty-six years and served as a Sunday School teacher and church treasurer.

She is survived by a son Kenneth M. Barnes, Jr. and wife, Lynn of Lake Waccamaw; grandchildren, Haley Grey Barnes, Zachary Houston Barnes and Forrest J. Steed; a sister, Dorothy Merritt Thompson of Chadbourn; a niece, Jan Bartley and husband, Jimmy of Evergreen.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brothers, Cecil Merritt and John Bert Merritt.

Her funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Lake Waccamaw First Baptist Church by Rev.Ken Hardee. Burial will be in Lake Waccamaw Hillcrest Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Peacock Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net