Arlene Barrett

Mary Arlene Collins Barrett, age 81, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, at her home with her loving family at her side. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Bro. Eddie Agnew and Bro. Dwayne Barrett officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Massey Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Sunrise Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi. Arlene was born July 9, 1945, to Lamar and Lillian Kemp Collins in Louisville. In a tribute written by Apryl Barnett Triplett, she described Mawmaw Arlene as “one of the most God-fearing women I’ve ever known. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and she lived her faith every single day. She didn’t have to preach it for people to see it—you could feel it in her kindness, her prayers, her gentle spirit, and the way she loved everyone who walked through her door. I was blessed to be loved by her not only as a child but also as a mother. She babysat me, and years later, she lovingly cared for my own children. What an incredible blessing it is to say that someone loved generations of your family so well. She kissed our scraped knees, dried our tears, spoiled us with her love, and made us feel safe and cared for no matter how old we were. And if you knew Mawmaw Arlene, then you knew about her chicken and dumplings. They were simply the best. They weren’t just food—they were comfort, warmth, and love served in a bowl. There will never be another quite like hers because they were made with the same ingredient she poured into everything she did—love. She never met a stranger for very long. Today, I find comfort knowing that while we’re mourning here on Earth, Heaven is rejoicing. I can only imagine her hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She spent her life serving others, loving others, and pointing them toward Jesus. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unconditional love that will live on in all of us who were blessed enough to know her.” Arlene enjoyed the time the family spent traveling across the United States meeting new people and seeing great places while Joe worked with Irby Construction Company. Arlene and Joe had an “open door policy”—they welcomed anyone, even strangers, offering them a safe place with food to eat, a place to sleep, and a family to be a part of for weeks to even months. For many years, she wrote a weekly “Rambling with Arlene” article for the Winston County Journal. Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Joe Barrett of Noxapater; and her children: Mary Ann Stokes of Louisville; Dwayne Barrett (TJ) also of Noxapater; Donna Vowell of Philadelphia, Mississippi; and Peggy Hollingsworth (David) of Morton, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Mawmaw Arlene” to her 13 grandchildren: Dana Parker (Steve), Will Snow (Samantha), Emerald Barrett, Susannah Smith (Austin), Michael Dee Yates (Chasity), April Sills (Roy), Michael Stokes (Keri Beth), Rebecca Foster (Preston), Candace Bragg (Justin), Isaac Barrett, Hailey Barrett, Hannah Hamilton Smith (Cody), and Ashton Brooke Copaus (Chantry); as well as 30 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joanne Goodin; and her brother, Wiley “Pee Wee” Collins (Beth); in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and cherished friends. Arlene is preceded in death by her son, Devon Barrett; son-in-law, Antoine Stokes; granddaughter, Karen Woods; her parents; her brother, Shannon Collins; infant twin brothers, James Nelson Collins and Jimmy Elton Collins; and an infant sister, Cynthia Collins. Serving as pallbearers are Michael Stokes, Isaac Barrett, Michael Dee Yates, Preston Foster, Steve Parker, Austin Snow, Will Snow, and Justin Bragg. Memorials in honor of Arlene may be given to Sunrise Cemetery Fund. Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.

Arlene Barrett

July 9, 1945 - July 30, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Arlene Barrett

July 9, 1945 - July 30, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification