Mary Jean Barrett, 89, passed away Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012 at Gibson General Hospital.

She was born April 10, 1923 in Owensville the daughter of Chester and Grace (Hartley) Armstrong.

Mary Jean was a graduate of Owensville High School class of 1942. She went to work for Republic Aviation and because she was so small she could get into tight places to work on the planes. She also worked a number of years at the Owensville Lumber Company. She then decided to further her education and graduated summa cum laude from Oakland City College in 1966. She began her teaching career first at North Posey and then at Owensville teaching both Latin and English, during this time she went back to school to get her masters degree which she obtained in 1971 from ISU in Terre Haute. She was the Librarian at the new consolidated Gibson Southern High School from 1974 until her retirement in 1991.

She was a member of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, where she was the organist and pianist for over 60 years. Other memberships include the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and the Indiana Club. Something that she always enjoyed was all the friendships made and activities at the senior center, the Gibson County Council on Aging.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Barrett; grandson, John Barrett; granddaughter and her husband, Eileen and Douglas Gorrell; two great-grandchildren, Jennifer Sue and Joy Marie Gorrell; sister, Medrith Horber; two nephews, John and Chester Horber; niece, Barbara Woodruff.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Dr. Charles L. Barrett; Luther and Mina Armstrong, the uncle and aunt who raised her from age two; niece, Joy Thayer.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 at Holders Funeral Home with Evelyn Owens officiating. Burial will be in the Columbia White Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.