Mayolia Barner (Toone), age 97, transitioned peacefully at home in her sleep on Thursday, October 1, 2026 — just as she desired, wrapped in the quiet presence of God. Born on September 12, 1929, in Yonkers, New York, she was the beloved daughter of the late Isaac and Clara Toone and the oldest cherished sister of the late William, Floyd, and Wilbur.

Mayolia was raised in a home where faith was lived, not just spoken. Her parents modeled a life of service, reverence, and devotion to God. Their example shaped her spiritual foundation - teaching her to walk with dignity, to love people deeply, and to serve with humility. The quiet strength she carried throughout her life was reflected in everything she did or spoke.

In May 1956, she married the late James Benjamin Barner, and together they built a family and home. She was the devoted mother of Joye and Mark, a proud grandmother and great‑grandmother. May was the matriarch of both sides of her family — an encourager, a counselor, and a reminder to always choose the classy, God‑honoring way.

Mayolia built a humble career shaped by excellence, integrity, and a spirit of perseverance. She began her professional journey as an administrative assistant at an insurance company at 280 S. Harrison Avenue in East Orange. She later served in the Treasury Department at East Orange City Hall from 1970 to 1981, followed by the Nelinson Roche & Carter Law Firm and the Newark Board of Education. Her last assignment was as office manager for CWA Local 1077, back at 280 So. Harrison Ave. where she served faithfully from 1993 until 2022. At 93 years old, she was still working with excellence, clarity, and purpose. She often said she preferred keeping her mind active over retiring, believing that staying engaged was part of what kept her strong. Her work was ministry.

Her service to the community was an extension of her faith. She was Treasurer of the very cherished and well known Casual Classics, a beloved social club founded in the 1960s. What began as cocktail sips blossomed into elegant dinner dances that brought joy to the community. Their mission was to create vibrant gatherings while raising scholarship funds for deserving students. Beginning with nine members and then to three, the club thrived for decades, hosting its final dinner dance in 2000. She served with excellence, always believing that blessing others was a form of worship.

She also served faithfully with the East Orange Women’s Alliance, formed during the administration of her beloved nephew, The Honorable John Hatcher, more than 27 years ago. The Alliance existed to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students. For over 20 years, she served as Ticket Chair until the pandemic. Thousands of dollars were raised and given, all out of love. During scholarship presentations, she and other members often shed tears, moved by the impact their efforts had on the lives of young people.

Mayolia also served faithfully as an Essex County Poll Worker from the 1970s until 2021. For nearly fifty years, she showed up with dedication, reliability, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her presence at the polls was a reflection of her belief in service, community, and doing her part to support the democratic process.

Mayolia lived her faith quietly but powerfully. She was a long‑time member of Elmwood Presbyterian Church, serving dutifully as an usher. Her life was a sermon — one of grace, generosity, and steadfast love. She treated everyone as family, and everyone felt seen, valued, and welcomed in her presence.

The home at 274 South Burnet Street was a sanctuary. Holidays, club meetings, family gatherings, or simple “just because” visits — the doors were always open. She created a space where people felt safe, loved, and embraced. She made home her ministry.

She enjoyed traveling, reading Jackie Collins and suspense novels, and savoring peaceful moments. She had a God‑given artistic gift, often spending hours with Essence magazines and skillfully replicating the images she admired. Her children have vowed to honor her memory by celebrating her birthday each year, shuffling through hundreds of the drawings she created and enjoying her favorite foods — a tradition rooted in love and remembrance.

Mayolia was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Barner, oldest nephews, Michael Toone and Jeffrey Hatcher and niece Camille Frasier.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Joye (Godfrey) and Mark (Lisa); her grandchildren Mark Jr., Njeri, Yanae, Antonio, Tyrell and Amir; her great‑grandchildren Malia and Myla, Melody, Chloe, Izayus, Aniyah and Jamir; and her cherished nieces and nephews; Veronica, Stephen, Michael’s wife Donna and their son Kellen, John Hatcher (Carol), Jeffrey's son Troy, Camille's family Mike, Cymone and Cybrina Frasier, Alberta & Vikki Hatcher, Janie White, Tosé Louis, Kiara Oliver, and Tony George. Along with many beloved friends.

She lived with grace and left us with strength. Her memory is a blessing we will carry in our hearts and spirits forever. “Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28