Gretchen Jane Barnes

GRETCHEN JANE BARNES, 71, of Houston, Texas died Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 at Autumn Leaves Memory Care Home, Clear Lake of complications from Parkinson’s disease. Ms. Barnes was born in Buffalo, New York on February 18, 1948 to Alan A.J. Barnes and Thelma Barnes. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Susan and is survived by her sisters Sharon and Jamie and brother, Alan. Also surviving her are her nieces and nephews Jeff Vyner, Michael and Andy Stephenson, Stephanie Chandler, Kimberly Taylor and Alan Barnes, II. Grand nieces and nephews are Ryan, Devin, Madeline, Nick, Rachel, Stephanie, Jennifer, Destiny, Kayla, Skylar, Dylan, Landan, Caydan, Maddie, and Clayton. Two great grand nephews, Bowen and Lincoln. Gretchen retired from Houston ISD after 40 years as a teacher, principal, and vice-principal at Lockart Elementary, McNamara Elementary and Longfellow Elementary. She was a member of King of Glory Lutheran, Houston and New Life Pearland Lutheran churches where she delivered witty and joyful children’s sermons and led the youth group. Though she never married, she lived her life in service to others and there are many who call her mom, second mom and mentor. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 15, 2019, at New Life Lutheran Church, 3521 E. Orange St., Pearland, Texas 77581. The family requests instead of flowers, donations be made to New Life Lutheran for youth programs.