Molly Jo Barnes, of Salvo, died surrounded by family at Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk, Va., on Nov. 30, 2019.

She was born in Altoona, Pa., daughter of John E. and Alice Mary (Hess) McKnight. Molly was twice married; first to James Focht in Hollidaysburg, Pa., and then to William Lee Barnes in Rodanthe, on Oct. 6, 2007.

Surviving are her husband Lee of Salvo; sons Peter J. Focht of Rodanthe and Jack Q. Barnes and adopted daughter, Charley A. Waterfield, of Salvo; her parents; brothers Shawn E. (Becky) of Zionsville, Ind. and Todd A. (Michelle) of Crystal Lake, Ill.; sisters Alison M. (Reid) Badger of Hillsboro, Va. and Laura A. Bevan of Hollidaysburg; as well as many special nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Molly was a 1987 graduate of Altoona Area High School and a 1992 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where she majored in theater arts and then again in 2001 from IUP with a degree in elementary education.

Molly was a gifted teacher at Cape Hatteras Elementary School, where she went out of her way to bring her love of the arts and theater to the students of Hatteras Island. She so enjoyed the annual Christmas pageant she tirelessly directed each year as a dedicated teacher. Molly always challenged her students to do their very best and tried to bring the outside world into their lives.

Molly was an organ donor, and she will be laid to rest at a later date with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with committal at Calvary Cemetery.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, a Celebration of the Life will be held at 4 p.m. at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building, 23646 NC 12 in Rodanthe. Attendees are asked to bring side dishes or desserts for sharing after the service.

A bank account is set up at First National Bank for the benefit of Molly’s children. In lieu of flowers, please contribute by mailing a check to First National Bank, P.O. Box 770, Avon, NC 27915, payable to FBO Molly Barnes Children.

READ MORE OBITUARIES HERE.