Obituaries

Joni Audrey Martin-Farnsworth-Barr 83, of Parkersburg passed peacefully from this earthly life May 3, 2025.

The eldest daughter of the late John A. and Mildred L. (Fleak) Bailey, she is survived by her three children Tena R. Martin (Deborah Marsh) of Washington WV, John C. Martin of Lawrenceburg IN, and Aaron D. Martin of Vienna WV; three grandchildren Christine Martin, Lindsay Martin, and Achele Earley (Donnie); seven great grandchildren; Caleb Burns, Dontavian ‘Tave’ Earley, Dalton Earley, Deklan Earley, Max Boyd, Laura Kinnett, Sean Kinnett II; three siblings Janet L. Eddy, Barbara L. McCoy, and Rose E. Shutts (Jim) and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands Norman Farnsworth and Carl Barr Sr.

She was a graduate of Parkersburg High School Class of 1959 and attended Glenville State College with a focus on Home Economics, Art, and Theater. She retired from Dupont Washinton Works and was a member of Fairview Global (United) Methodist Church.

With a zest for life, she endeavored to always share her love, talents and blessings with others. A lifelong commitment to community through 4-H, she held a leadership role with the Fairview 4-H Club and achieved 4-H All Star status. As for her talents in Art, she was an accomplished seamstress, a talented decorator of cakes and goodies, and enjoyed crafting various decorative items which she gifted to family and friends.

Her interest in theater culminated in the creation and persona of a jovial clown for which she designed, and sewed her costume, complete with make-up, oversized shoes, and a vibrant rainbow wig. She would transition into character and drive to nursing homes, visit the homebound, and children's events. The birth of The Red Hat Society was yet another made to order opportunity for Joni to shine. She quickly gathered friends, family, and acquaintances to form a new Red Hat Club. Socializing, celebrating, and vacationing while dawning their Red Hat Attire brought a much-needed vibrancy and purpose to its members.

Come join us in the Celebration of Life to be held in leu of services, Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 11:00am until 4:00pm at Fairview Global Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 380 New England Ridge Road, Washington WV. 26181

Leavitt Funeral Home Parkersburg is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.