Barnes, Audrey Clarissa (Thomas), Age 66 of La Plata, Maryland formerly of Newburg, Maryland.

On Thursday, September 16, 2010; Audrey Clarissa Barnes departed this life at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland. She was the wife of the late Thomas Clifton Barnes Sr.

Audrey was preceded in death by her daughter, Terry Renee, mother, Catherine Goldring, father, Lemuel Thomas, stepmother, Mary B. Thomas, sister, Mary Hemsley and brother, Robert Thomas.

Audrey was educated in the Charles Co. School system. During her life she was employed in various positions; cook, housekeeper, and childcare provider; but the most rewarding for her was cooking. If you were hungry she would feed you, no matter the time or the day. She was well known for her potato salad. If there was a function and the menu called for it, she made it. Audrey loved spending time with her grandkids. They never left her house without to go plates or bags.

She enjoyed arts and crafts, crocheting, thrift shopping, and collecting various nick knacks. She could also diagnose a car problem, as well as the trained mechanic.

Audrey was full of life and her spirit was contagious. There was no time to be down when she was around. She was straight forward, never sugar coating an issue, and before things were settled she would find something to laugh about. To put a number on her friends would be unjust. She could strike a conversation with anyone she met; and by the time it was over, she'd have another friend.

In 2008 Audrey moved into the Maples. Soon, after they all became a part of her extended family. She treasured her time with them. If there was a social, Audrey wouldn't miss it. How could she not attend Bingo and a theme party at the Maples with her friends; Ms. Gloria, Ms. Katherine, Ms. Sis, Ms. Elenore, Aunt Dot and Ms. Francis just to name a few?

Audrey leaves to treasure her memories, five sons: Thomas C. Jr., Kenneth M., Keith M., John E. and Timothy L. Barnes; eleven grandchildren: Ty, Jarelle, Whitney, Marcus, Breanna, Jo'nel, Savannah, Ariel, Justin, Keoscha and Marquill Barnes; two great-grandkids: Christian and Jarelle Jr.; step grandchildren: Donell and Dywane. five brothers: Joseph Wills, Nathan and Joseph R. Green, Michael and Timothy Thomas; six sisters: Shirley Johnson, Gloria and Barbara Cooper, Mary Cherry, Carolina Carter and Angela Thomas; sisters-in-law: Debbie Thomas, Tina Wills and Betty Barnes; brother-in-law: James Barnes; daughters-in-law: Bernetta, Caroyln, and Roxxane, along with Anna and Diane whom she loved the same; a special niece that she also called friend, Christine Wells and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Her Viewing will be held on Monday Evening, September 20, 2010 from 5:00pm until time of Service, 7:00pm at the Shiloh Community United Methodist Church, 12695 Shiloh Church Road in Newburg, Maryland. Interment, 11:00am Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.