Nellie Margaret Barno, the middle of three girls, was born in Mayesville, South Carolina on August 29, 1923 to Junius Carter and Phoebe Barno-Santos. Her sisters were Freddie and Jane. In the 1930’s, Phoebe and her three daughters relocated to Corona, Queens, NY.

The girls attended Elementary School in Corona Heights and subsequently to Middle School in Manhattan, where Nellie attended Wadleigh School. During their younger years, Nellie was the one who defended her sisters against other kids in their Queens neighborhood. Nellie was always considered a tomboy, being active in sports, like baseball, boxing, and other outdoor activities. Nellie could often be found playing stickball on the streets of West 121st Street.

Nellie began her work career at The Beseler Photographic Equipment Co. in New Jersey. In 1987, Nellie started at the advertising agency Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon, & Eckhart as a Print Buyer for Chrysler ads. The Agency changed hands and she retired after the last change. While working, Nellie also served as Business Manager for The Harold Melvin Beauty Salon. Harold Melvin is a longtime friend. Nellie also assisted Elin Lavar of Lavar Hair Designs. During her life, Nellie loved to travel, she visited Brasil, France, Denmark, Germany, Hawaii, Canada, and Serbia.

Nellie loved the experience of driving and would take family, friends, and neighbors to social engagements, shopping, school, appointments, and other various destinations. As difficult as she could be at times, there was a loving tender side of Aunt Nellie that always came through. Aunt Nellie was a faithful member of St. Joseph of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Harlem.

In 2008, signs of her illness began to surface with getting lost and forgetfulness. She was diagnosed with Dementia/Early Alzheimer’s. In July 2009, she was admitted to Greater Harlem Nursing Facility; subsequently Nellie was transferred to Westledge in Peekskill, NY December 6, 2012. The Barno-Quintero would like to send a special thanks to Staff at Westledge for their thoughtful care and concern that they provided throughout Aunt Nellie’s stay there.

Aunt Nellie leaves to cherish her memory, four nephews, Raymond Barno, Timothy Vaughn, Edward Feaster, and Marc Feaster; one niece: Patricia Feaster-Fields; six grandnieces: Andria Barno-Quintero, Wendy Barno-Lyons, Monique Spence, Nechelle Vanias, Alexandrea Feaster, Ledin Soto, great grandniece Ashley, seven great grandnephews; Andrew, Tarik, Michael, Sasha, Cooper, Kofey, Edgey, Giovanni, and a host of great, great nieces/nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

The Barno family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Nellie’s lifelong friends who sustained contact throughout her life: Harold Melvin, George Everett, Goldie Brangman, Kenny Martin, and Elizabeth Sotir~

Calling hours are Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 2pm to 6pm at the funeral home. Funeral Service will take place at 5pm during visitation. Interment will take place at Mt. Hoiness Cemetery, Butler, NJ at a later date.