Ida Mae Barnes was born on September 22, 1926 in Mobile, Alabama to Mary and Graham Smith. She spent her early years tending to her parent's land and livestock.

Ida was one the first in her family to go to school and ultimately graduate. She gained a teaching degree from Alabama A&M in 1948 and had a successful career in education.

Ida married David Barnes on December 8, 1950. They raised three daughters, whom went on to foster fifteen more children. Ida Mae moved to Tallahassee in 1960 and was heavily involved in the local community working with disadvantaged children. In her spare time, Ida enjoyed watercolor painting, singing in the church choir, and caring for her lovely grandchildren.

Ida left us at the age of 90 on June 25, 2017 at her home in Tallahassee, Florida after a short illness. She is survived by her husband, Graham and three daughters, Etta, Joy and Kim.

Her family paid this tribute to her:

"Mums was one of the kindest people you could ever meet, she opened her heart and her home to many children over the years and she will be sorely missed."