Mamie Barnwell

Mamie Barnwell, affectionately known as “MiMi”, of Marion, died at home surrounded by her family, on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at the age of 83. Mamie was born on June 2, 1934 in Marion, to Charles V. and Pearl (Scrow) Pippie. She attended Marion schools and graduated from Marion High School in 1954. She married Paul S. Barnwell on March 21, 1959 at the First United Methodist Church, and he survives. Mamie worked at a watermelon stand in her younger days, where she met Paul. She later worked at Universal Match, and owned “Babe’s”, a used furniture store. She retired from Olin Corporation in 1996. She also sold Avon for many years. Mamie loved to cook, and was well known for her delicious red velvet cake, her dumplings, and her wonderful Sicilian spaghetti. She was passionate about opera. She loved to go to antiques stores and garage sales, and collected many pieces of fine furniture and knick-knacks over the years. Mamie never failed to speak her mind, and always stood up for what she believed. She wore Estee Lauder perfume. She was so funny! She had an infectious laugh, and was kind and generous, especially  to her family. She was everyone’s favorite aunt. Mamie loved her many dachshunds; Kati, her Shih-Tzu; and ChiChi, her Peki-Chi. Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 59 years, Paul; son Samuel W. Barnwell of Marion; daughter Laura A. Barnwell Sims of Marion; grandson Anthony Sims of Eldorado, grandson Austin Sims of Arkansas, and granddaughter Stephanie Jennings of Royalton; great-grandchildren Austyn, Addy, and Aiden Sims; sister Maryann Reggio of LaGrange, Illinois; beloved nieces Valerie Mabry of Benton, and Maria Barnwell Hafford of Marion; beloved nephews Vince Kelly, Sal Reggio, Mitch Kane, Todd Kelly; and other nieces. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Linda Smith-Duncan from Hospice of Southern Illinois. Mamie was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Jo “Tottie” Kane, and Pearl “Jumbo” Kelly; and brothers-in-law Gene Kane and Vito Reggio. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018, at Goddard Chapel at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion with Rev. Charles Fox officiating. Visitation will be on Friday at noon until 2:00 p.m. in Goddard Chapel. Final arrangements are being handled by Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home of Marion.