Estena Hannon Barnes

A native of Mobile and a resident of Daphne, Alabama, for 44 years, Mrs. Estena Hannon Barnes entered into eternal rest surrounded by family at home on the 14th of February 2025. The second of six children born to Eula Singleton Hannon Goode and McCena Hannon, Estena attended Martin Luther Lutheran School, which was started by her aunt, Velma Singleton Routte, and her husband, the Reverend Louis A. Routte. A member of Central High School’s class of 1957, Estena dreamed of pursuing a career as a journalist. However, a guidance counselor discouraged her path, citing a lack of Black female reporters in the 60s. She pivoted and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Tennessee State University in Nashville, and continued her education at Tuskegee Institute and Alabama State University, where she received a Master of Arts in Education. Throughout her 34 years as an educator, Estena encouraged her students to reach for the stars. She worked diligently and challenged her students to expand their minds and diversify spaces. She held teaching positions in Florida and Mobile and Baldwin counties and retired from the Baldwin County Education System. A lifelong member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Estena is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 59 years, Raymond Nathaniel Barnes, a native of Tuscaloosa, AL, and three devoted daughters: Candis Deidre, who served as one of her primary caregivers, and Rosalyn Renee and Mechelle Lynn of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also survived by her sisters, Theresa (Warren) Grant, Rockville, MD, and Patricia Goode, Mobile, AL, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, devoted cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Eula Singleton Hannon Goode and McCena Hannon; brothers: Walter Goode and McCena “Richard” Hannon, Jr. (Bernice); a beloved sister, Dr. Gloria Hannon Myrick; and devoted sister-friend, Thelma Singleton. The family will receive family and friends on the 27th of February from 10 am to 11 am at Martin Luther Lutheran Church at 1267 MLK, Jr. Drive, Mobile, AL 36603. The funeral will follow at 11 am, and interment will follow at Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, AL. A repast will follow at the Martin Luther Lutheran Church-Fellowship Hall. Arrangements entrusted to: Serenity Funeral Home, 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Mobile, AL 36619. In remembrance of Estena’s commitment to education, love of storytelling, and desire for diverse representation, the family welcomes donations to Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Estena’s name at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1267 MLK, Jr. Drive, Mobile, AL 36603. Flowers: Leaf and Petal Florist, 3324 St. Stephens Road, Eight Mile, AL 36612, 251-457-2750.

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Estena Hannon Barnes

February 14, 2025