Merla Betty Kubernek Barrera passed away on January 26, 2026.

She was born in Morristown, NJ, March 15, 1931. She attended Morristown High School, and graduated in the Class of 1949. Merla was married to Frank Barrera on March 20, 1949. She graduated from the University of La Verne in California and worked for 25 years as a pre-K teacher and site Director for the Headstart Program.

Merla loved to sing! She sang in the Tujunga United Methodist Church Choir and several community choirs in Califorania. In 1992 she moved to Martinez, GA, and sang with the Augusta Choral Society for 9 years, and briefly with the Augusta Chamber singers. She then went on to sing with the Columbia County Choral Society and the church choir at Marvin United Methodist Church, where she served as an active member in the life of the church.

Merla is preceded in death by her husband Frank Barrera who died in October 2002. She is survived by her three children, Frank Noel Barrera (Danielle) of Tuscon, AZ, Nina Kay Barrera Salazar (Ken) of North Augusta, SC, and Felecia Marie Barrera Walter (Henry) of Augusta, GA.

Merla has seven grandchildren, Frank Noel Barrera, Jr., Jenifer Marie Gresham, Angela Renee Alexander, Kenneth Daniel Walter, Derrick Ernest Walter, Benjamin William Walter (deceased), and Kody Noel Barrera (deceased). She also has 17 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, February 2, 2026 at Marvin United Methodist Church with Rev. Ben Wills officiating. Private interment will be in Bellevue Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to Marvin United Methodist Church.