Jeannette Barton

Jeannette Avarilla Meeks Barton passed away on March 6th, 2017, at age 101, having been a faithful wife, devoted mother, generous grandmother, mentor, businesswoman, contributor to her community, and a friend to many. She was born in Gulf Hammock, Florida, on January 11, 1916, the fifth of eight children to George Lawson Meeks and Avarilla Ellzey Meeks. Jeannette eventually moved to Williston, Florida, where she married local merchant Edward Lee Barton in 1935. Together they operated Barton's grocery store until 1958 when it was sold. During this time, Jeannette learned the skills of merchandising and retailing; skills that would serve her well in the next phase of her career. In 1959, Jeannette opened a dress shop on the Gainesville Highway just outside of downtown Williston. Some said that the store would fail because no one would drive that far out of town to buy a dress. Her store prospered. Soon she added a line of gifts to her ladies' apparel line and expanded her store into two stores operating side-by-side to accommodate her increased business. She eventually stocked fine chine, crystal, silver and stainless flatware, maintained a bridal registry, and catered weddings, receptions, and other events throughout the area. Through her skills as a marketer honed years before in the grocery store, her attention to the needs and buying habits of her customers, and her nearly inexhaustible capacity for hard work, her stores prospered. She became known across North Central Florida. She even had customers from South Florida who learned about her stores while driving by on their way to University of Florida football games. While maintaining her home and career, Jeannette had two children, Carolyn Grissom, of Ocala, and Edward Lee Barton, Jr., of Clermont. To them she passed on the virtues she embodied throughout her life: thrift, tenacity, vigor, and a desire to serve the community of which she was a part. Carolyn and Ed Jr. survive her. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Andrea Barton, Dan Barton Andrews (Sandi), Richard L. Andrews, Jr. (Garnet), and Tracey Lynn Barton (Mike); and by ten great grandchildren, Charlie Manno, Eddie Manno, Cameron Andrews, Kathryn Andrews, Lauren Andrews, Emily Andrews, William Andrews, Chelsea Warren, Allison Andrews, and Mary Andrews. Throughout her life, Jeannette was guided and comforted by her faith in God. Because of this, she was very much about serving the needs of others before herself. She leaves behind many memories of a life lived in service to God by serving others. A funeral service will be held at the Williston United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2017. A visitation will be held one hour prior. Pastor Danny Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Hill Cemetery with Knauff Funeral Home - Williston in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Florida Methodist Children's home or to a charity of your choice. SERVICES Funeral Service

Friday, March 10, 2017 2:00 PM

First United Methodist Church Williston, Florida 32696