Edna Irene Barkett Gani, 89, died peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2014, at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be officiated by The Reverend Dr. John Himes at Trinity Episcopal Church on Monday, December 15, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Algoma South Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall. Mrs. Gani was born June 30, 1925, in Shreveport, LA, to Charley and Asma (Essie) Barkett. After moving from Shreveport to Marshall in 1932, she attended St. Mary's Business School. For years, she managed Barkett Dry Goods Store on Wellington Avenue until the business closed in 1953. Other employment included many years in the office of Logan and Whaley until her marriage in 1962. Following her return to Marshall, she worked at ICI Industry. Upon retirement from ICI, she worked in the treasurer's office at the Harrison County Courthouse. She retired from the Court House in 1996 and spent her time devoted to her family. She was a very nurturing lady who loved to welcome her family for meals and holiday gatherings. Edna was famous for her delicious banana pudding and pecan pies. Until her recent illness, she prepared breakfast every morning for her son and grandson before they went to work and school. Edna loved life and relished being the "matriarch" of the family, offering advice and lending support to each member. Edna was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall since she was a very young girl. With other ladies of the Lebanese Community, she helped cook and serve Lebanese food at the church fundraiser to purchase tables and chairs for Trinity's All Saints Hall. In later years, she enjoyed the friendship of a group of lovely ladies from Longview who gathered to play, Mexican Train, a domino game. She was a fierce competitor and usually won. Edna was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Alice Barkett Thomas; brothers, Sammy Barkett and George Thomas; and nephews, Charles Thomas Barkett and David Walter Barkett. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Gregory Floyd Gani (Kathy); grandson, Gregory (Little G) Barkett Gani, the joy of her life; brother, Johnny Barkett (Mary Lou) of Marshall; and sisters, Jeanette Barkett of Marshall; Mary Lois Fadal (Dr. Ronald O. Fadal) of Waco, and Betty Horaney of Longview. Also surviving her are her devoted nephews, Dr. Philip Thomas of Dallas, Dr. Brad Thomas (Gina) of Galveston, Al Horaney (Genny) of Tyler, and Ron Horaney (Fazeah) of Longview, Dr. Ronald Nelson Fadal (Jennifer) of Longview, and Robin Scott Fadal (Rita) of Spring; nieces, Georgia Ann Coscantino of The Villages, FL, Becky Westmoreland (Gary) of Texarkana and Karen Ivy (Curtis) of Malvern, AR. A very special and loved survivor who has been a member of Edna's family for thirty years is Valerie Ayers. She is also survived by twenty-three great nieces and nephews and nine great, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins, residing in the United States, Lebanon, and Ecuador. Edna was very proud of her Lebanese heritage and always impressed its importance to all her family. Pallbearers who will proudly serve "Aunt Edna" are her nephews, Dr. Phil Thomas, Dr. Brad Thomas, Al Horaney, Ron Horaney, Dr. Ronald N. Fadal, and Robin S. Fadal. A very special pallbearer will be her grandson, Gregory B. Gani. Honorary pallbearers will be Greg's friends at Harrison County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Highway Patrol. Her family wishes to express sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Donna Alzaga and the ICU nurses of Good Shepherd, Marshall and to Dr. Charles Newkirk and Dr. Brimmer and the ICU and CIMC nurses at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview for the excellent care and compassion shown to Edna and the family during her stay. If desired, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall.