Marie Lulu (Butler) Barnes, 89, of Oakville, MD received her heavenly reward on April 7, 2009 at her home where she enjoyed her family life. Marie was born on July 25, 1919 in Hollywood, MD. She was one of nine children born to the late James Albert and Cecelia Maria (Stevens) Butler.

Marie received her education in the St. Mary's County Public Schools. She attended Phyllis Wheatly, Oakville and Banneker Schools. Marie married Joseph Eugene Barnes, Sr. on June 29, 1957 at St. John's Catholic Church and from that blessed union were four children.

She began working in 1955 for the St Mary's County Board of Education as a Food Service Assistant in the school cafeterias. She worked at Banneker School and Oakville Elementary School until she retired in June 1981. Marie worked weekends for many years at Cape St. Mary's Marina and Sandgates Inn where she made the best crab cakes and Maryland crab soup. Those restaurants continue to use her recipes today.

Her favorite things to do were cooking, canning, shopping, reading and welcoming people into her home. She also enjoyed occasional visits to Dover Downs to play the slots. Marie always talked about her first airplane ride at the age of 80, when she flew to Georgia to visit her daughter, Patricia. She was so thrilled to be among the clouds near to heaven and she enjoyed the royal treatment she received as a senior citizen passenger. She had a real knack for shopping. Her favorite places were Peebles, JC Penney and Target. She never drove, but she always managed to get where she wanted to go. Anytime she could get a ride, she headed to the stores to buy new shoes or an outfit for her next outing or for groceries to cook.

Marie had an abundance of love that she shared with her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, her nephews, nieces and many friends. She was so giving and always wanted to share whatever she had.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Roberta P. Duff, Vivian M. Yorkshire, Barbara P. Friend, J. Ronald Butler, Patricia A. Butler, Larry M. Butler, Delores A. Butler, Annie M. Young, Joseph E. Barnes, Jr., Thomas J. Barnes, and Andrew M. Barnes; one son-in-law H. Patrick Young (Annie); three daughters-in law: Monica Barnes (Joseph), Vernette Barnes (Andrew) and Antoinette Butler (Larry); 29 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren; one sister Annie Pauline Fitzgerald; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph E. Barnes, Sr., her beloved son, James Robert Butler, her sisters Hortense Davis, Gladys Butler, Priscilla Bailey and Elizabeth Parker and her brothers John, James and Phillip Butler.

Marie had an unwavering strength and courage to endure almost anything during this past year and she always said, "she had lived a good life and that good things come to those who wait". She waited on the Lord. She was affectionately known as Lady Bird, Lady Bug, Lady, Marie, Lucy, Mama, Mom, Mother Dear, Grammy, Grandma, Auntie and Ms. Marie. To everyone she was always a lady and she will always be our Queen. We will indeed cherish her memory and her legacy will live on. We were all truly blessed by God to have her as part of our lives.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Lexington Park, MD.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.