Mrs. Mary A. Sowell and the late C. Wade Sowell of Rocky Ford announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Crystal Lynn Sowell, to John Hunter Barnes, son of Mrs. Angela P. Barnes and the late John P. Barnes of Statesboro.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary J. Melanson and the late George Melanson, the late Frank V. Ashbaugh and the late Colan W. and Rena C. Sowell. Crystal is a 2004 graduate of Statesboro High School. She currently works as a nanny and is pursuing a degree in early childhood education.

The groom-elect is the grandson of the late Hamp A. and Earnestine W. Pelote, the late Bernice P. Ramsey and the late Davis C. Barnes. Hunter is a 2003 graduate of Statesboro High School and a 2008 graduate of Georgia Southern University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in accounting. He currently works for Habif, Arogeti, and Wynne, LLP.

The wedding will be held at Rocky Ford United Methodist Church on May 14, 2011, at 5 p.m.

No local invitations will be sent. All family and friends are invited to attend.