Rose Marie Barnes

Rose Marie Barnes, 87, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on October 3, 2026, at her home. Born December 7, 1938, in Washington, Iowa, she was a daughter of the late John Francis Flanagan and Margaret Steyh Flanagan.

Rose was a graduate of Platteville High School in Platteville, Wisconsin. She was married to her husband Joel R. Barnes for 71 years before his passing earlier this year. Throughout her life, she was a devoted wife and mother who found great fulfillment in caring for her family and giving back to others.

Rose held many varied jobs throughout her life but finished her career as an executive secretary after many years as the front office secretary at Hammond Academy in Columbia SC.
Rose was active in church and civic activities throughout her life. From serving as PTA President to teaching Sunday school, Rose always found a way to have an impact.

Rose is survived by her son, James P. Barnes of Columbia; daughter, Wendy Ann Barnes of Columbia; and brother, Robert Flanagan of Plainview, Minnesota.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Thomas Barnes and brothers, John Flanagan and Edward Flanagan.

The memorial service will be held at 1 o’clock on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12 o’clock until 1 o’clock.