JoAnn Sonja Barnett

A private graveside service for JoAnn Sonja Barnett, 85, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at State Line Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Barnett passed away at 8:40 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.

She was born February 25, 1940, at Cumi, Arkansas, to Ray Byrd and Faye Talburt Byrd.  On July 21, 1956, she was married at Downey, California, to Otto Cyrus Barnett, Jr., who preceded her in death on October 28, 2015.  Her family was her life; she was a loving wife and mother.  Mrs. Barnett was sweet and kind to everyone and had love and compassion for all animals.  Mrs. Barnett was a member of Church of Christ.

She is survived by four children, Tammy Sortman and husband, Bruce, Rene Scott and husband, Richard and Connie Smith and husband, Randy, all of West Plains and Toby Barnett and wife, Melissa, Jefferson City,  Missouri; four grandchildren, Melissa Robbins and husband, Jason, Tracy Finley and husband, Jared and  Jennifer Brigman, all of West Plains and Rebecca Jordan and husband, Paul, Moody, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren, Christian Robbins, Gunner Robbins, Aiden Brigman and wife, Brooke, Dylan Brigman, Clayton Robbins, Addison Finley, Dakotah Brigman, Grant Finley and Gracie Jordan; one great-great-grandchild on the way, Ayda Claire Brigman; and many nieces, nephews and other family members. 

Her parents, husband, Junior Barnett and one grandson, Richie Scott, preceded her in death.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.