Marlena Mandela Barnes was born January 8, 1986 in Chambers County, Alabama to Darlena Barnes and Walter Thomas. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. She was a member of the Upshaw Choir.

She was educated in the Chambers County Public School System, graduating from Valley High School of Valley, Alabama in 2004. The mother of two beautiful children; she was a fun, outgoing person and was loved by many. Marlena was preceded in death by her grandparents; Mary Dean Barnes and Eddie Lee Huguley.

Her survivors include: one daughter, Antasia Brooks, Lanett, AL; one son, Jadarrius Brooks, Lanett, AL; husband, Leon Baker, Opelika,AL; mother, Darlena Barnes, Lanett, AL; father, Walter Thomas, Lanett, AL; sister, Monzena McCullough, Lanett, AL; grandmother, Shirley Lyons, Lanett, AL; five aunts, Shirley Williams, Beverly Smith and Anneth Thomas, Shirley Barnes and Letha Barnes of Lanett, AL; four uncles, Howard (Gwendolyn) Barnes, Davis Thomas, Darryl Thomas and Reginald Lyons; two special cousins that were like brothers, Tarean Smith and Trevonti Smith; a special friend, Labritiney Thomas; and, a host of other loving relatives and friends.