Barnes believed to be oldest Arkansas resident

Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 marked a special day for longtime Blytheville resident Mrs. Annie Bell Barnes as she embraced her 106th birthday with family and friends at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Mayor James Sanders was also in attendance to proclaim Nov. 24 as Annie B. Barnes Day.

The proclamation reads, “Whereas, longevity of life is a blessing for an individual and for a community which benefits from the knowledge, creativity, and experiences this individual brings to all of us; and whereas, Annie B. Barnes will be honored by friends and relatives on the occasion of her 106th birthday on November 24th, 2018; and whereas, she was born in 1912 and has been a resident of the Blytheville for 66 years where she demonstrated in countless ways her dedication to this community and surrounding area; and whereas, she has been blessed with being a mother of 15 children; 5 have proceeded in death and 10 who are still alive today; and whereas, during her long and productive life, she has earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life by serving as a leader in her church and as a mentor for our youth; and whereas, if she could give one piece of advice to someone it would be to set a good example for others, not just talking about it, but living it and showing it; and now, therefore, be it resolved that I, James W. Sanders, Mayor of the City of Blytheville, Arkansas, do hereby deem it an honor and pleasure to proclaim today, November 24th, 2018 as ‘Annie B. Barnes Day’ in the City of Blytheville and encourage all citizens to join me in congratulating and extending best wishes to Annie B. Barnes for many more happy, productive years.”

When asked what advice she would give to others, Barnes said God should always be first and that she thanks God for giving her life.

“It is good to accomplish things, but God should always be first. I thank God for living a 106 years,” Barnes said. “It was spoken over my life I would live a long life, and it is God that gives life.”

According to the family, Barnes is believed to be oldest resident in the city of Blytheville and in Mississippi County.

“How I feel about being the oldest resident of not just the city of Blytheville Arkansas, but of the county (and state), it is a blessing and humbling,” said Barnes.

In 106 years of living, Barnes explained that the world hasn’t changed but the people within the world have.

Barnes explained, “The world has not changed, the people have. There is no love, no respect for each other, and the fear of God has left the people in this world.”

Mayor Sanders said,“It's always a pleasure to celebrate a birthday with a friend and family but this is a most special occasion because not only do we celebrate life but we also celebrate history. Joyce and I are honored to be invited to celebrate with the Barnes family in celebration of their mother’s 106th birthday.”