Mary Helen Barton

Mary Helen Barton, passed away peacefully in her home in Calhoun, GA on the morning of December 29, 2017. She was born on January 27, 1934 in Armuchee, GA. Mary is preceded in death by her husband Ellis D. Barton of Calhoun, GA, her parents Fred J. Chapman and Mattie Barton Chapman of Rome, GA and her siblings Asbury Wales (A.W.) Chapman, Lamar Chapman, Thomas Chapman. Mary is survived by her sister Linda Chapman Poore of Adairsville, GA, her children David Barton (Beth) of Holly Springs, Steve Barton of Lincolnton, GA , Barry Barton (Debbie) of Smyrna, GA, and Lisa Barton Szeder (Eric) of Waleska, GA. She was also the beloved grandmother of Jason Barton, Amanda Barton, Laura Barton, Sarah Barton Corr, Jenna Paine Gray, Jesse Paine, Rebecca Barton and Chase Szeder and great-grandmother to Matthew, Samantha, Tommy and Sailor. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Mary worked at Lockheed Georgia Company where she met her husband, Ellis D. Barton whom she married October 5, 1953. She later worked at C&S Bank in Smyrna and Austell, Ga. She then returned to Lockheed Georgia Company until her retirement in 1999. But Mary never stayed idle for long, so in 1993 she helped start up and worked as office manager for her eldest son David’s business, Barton Surveying in Holly Springs, GA. Additionally she served as Secretary for the Barton Historical Society and helped research much of the family ancestry. Mary was always a devoted member of the Methodist church. As a child, her family attended Floyd Springs UMC. Later she was a charter member and church Secretary and UMW president at St. Philip UMC in Marietta, GA. She was a dedicated member of Wesley Chapel UMC in the Sonoraville community. For years, she enjoyed designing and printing the weekly church bulletins and other administrative duties. She and her husband served on the building committee for the parsonage and many of their special design touches keep their memory alive at Wesley Chapel UMC. After her husband passed away in 2008, she founded the GG’s, a group for widows and widowers to enjoy a monthly lunch outing together. She leaves behind numerous church friends to cherish her memory including a very special friend Norma McDowell of Marietta from St. Philip UMC, and Ike Parker a former pastor at Wesley Chapel UMC. Mary was recognized by her striking dark hair, bright blue eyes, her colorful style, and butterfly jewelry. She was known for planning beautifully curated retreats, weddings, and gatherings. Always an incredible host, she loved having church members, friends, and family to their beautiful home in Calhoun. The gatherings ranged in themes from angels to lighthouses. She enjoyed hot coffee, heart-shaped waffles, sunrises, and watching the hummingbirds on the porch. When she wasn’t at home, she enjoyed spontaneous road trips and adventures in her pearl white Solara. Mary was always on the go and lit up the hearts of all who knew her. Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 11 AM from Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church with Reverend Greg Burgner officiating. Interment will follow at 2 PM in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. Pallbearers serving are Jesse Paine, Chase Szeder, Jason Barton, Eric Szeder, Cameron Corr, and Landon Gray. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 3rd from 2 PM until 4 PM and from 6 PM until 8 PM at Thomas Funeral Home. You may leave the Barton family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mary Helen Chapman Barton of Calhoun.