Elizabeth Barnett

Elizabeth “Liz” Houser Barnett, 71, of Oxford MS, passed away just after midnight on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Olive Branch. Her family was at her bedside. There will be a Celebration of Life held on February 11, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the M-Club, located in the Starnes building just outside of the football stadium at The University of Mississippi. Liz, known as Lizard to her children’s friends, now referred to exclusively as Zee Zee, a name given by her first grandchild Fulton Ross, adored the finer things in life. She cherished her dog Dusty, who annoyed us most times; collecting porcelain elephants, a hobby started by her late sister Heidi; a fine glass of white wine, and of course her beloved Ole Miss Rebels. Born April 11, 1951 in Seattle, WA, Liz grew up in Kentucky, spending most waking days of her youth on the banks of Kentucky Lake, where her parents owned the resort, Big Bear Resort. Liz would reminisce about her days on the lake, fishing, skipping rocks, helping out at the resort with her Big brother Jim and sisters Sondra & Heidi. A snippet from Liz’s notes… “Heidi & I would stay in a cabin by ourselves, usually #23, and our parents had several couples to come stay at Big Bear Resort to play bridge for the weekend! The kids would have fun rowing boats like bumper cars with the others!” Most who will remember Liz will picture her wearing the colors of Harvard Red and Yale Blue. Her passion and love for the Ole Miss Rebels ran deep to her core. She was a staple figure in the Grove, manning her tent and welcoming all passing Rebels or opposing fans with some homemade food or one of her infamous jello shots in search of another “Are You Ready…” moment. Never one miss a good time, or to ever leave any game even a second early, Liz will always be our Ole Miss Matriarch. Few things in life mattered more to Zee Zee than her alma mater, and their names are Fulton Ross and Heidi Louise. Zee Zee never missed an opportunity to love on her grandbabies, shower them with joy and laughter, all the while having her goody baskets filled with happies. Fulton Ross had her heart, her first Grandchild he could never do anything wrong in her eyes, and he too, alike for Zee Zee. Heidi Louise, named after her late sister, was the icing on the cake when she graced us last year. Having her first granddaughter born made life come full circle for Liz; finally she can use up all those boxes of Feltman Brothers clothes she saved from her daughter Virginia’s childhood. Optimistically Stubborn. If there was a way to define Liz Barnett in two words that’s it. She never saw negatives in life, everything was positive, bright and sunny, even on the cloudiest of days; the outcome, no matter what it is, is a way to show grace and be grateful for opportunities we have. Stubborn; man was she. But only in a loving, full of life way, which somehow made it even more frustrating at times. Don’t try to cover the bill at dinner or say weekly visits to the pet groomer was excessive or attempt to try to leave an Ole Miss game early… she would bury in her heels. Liz is survived by her son, William Barnett of Nashville, TN; daughter, Virginia Houpt (Adam) of Olive Branch, MS; Grandson, Fulton Ross Houpt (6); Granddaughter Heidi Louise Houpt (19 mo); former Husband, Bill Barnett; Sister, Sondra Eiche (George) and Brother, Jim Houser (Pam). Liz was proceeded in death by her parents, O.J. and Virginia Dukes Houser; sister, Heidi Houser and grandson, Baby Brother Houpt. In lieu of traditional flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Elizabeth Houser Barnett to The Ole Miss Athletic Foundation. As tough as this holiday season has been, the family is at peace knowing Zee Zee left us so she could be with her grandson in heaven for Christmas morning. For those she has touched we challenge you to live life like Liz. Enjoy the finer things. Don’t leave until the clock hits zero. Pay for someone’s meal. Smile. And love, love to a point it hurts…. that’s what she did and that’s who she was and that’s why her loss will affect so many of us. Always remember, Hotty Toddy! Online condolences may be made on this tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com

Elizabeth Barnett

April 11, 1951 - December 25, 2022

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