Nell Parker Barnes, long-time resident of Columbia, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30, 2021 at the age of 90. She was born in Lawrence, Mississippi, the eighth of eleven children to Charles and Madge Parker.
Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Randolph Lee Barnes, her parents and eight brothers and sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Beverly (Glenn) Mikell and Midge (Jon Mossholder) Barnes, a son, Lee (Kim) Barnes, a sister, Clara Higginbotham, a brother, James (Merle) Parker, seven grandchildren—Natalie Jackson, who served as Nell’s devoted caregiver, Tripp Jackson, Rand Mikell, Parker Barnes, Sheffield Barnes, Savannah Barnes, Eliza Barnes, two great-grandchildren, Layton Jackson and Jada Jackson and a host of nieces and nephews. Nell was devoted to and cherished this family and her time with them, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Nell was a woman of deep faith who served her Lord and community through her membership in the First United Methodist Church of Columbia where she was active in many capacities. Nell was a wonderful cook who loved to cook for her family and friends. She shared that talent with her community as the owner of The Round Table Restaurant. She also was a member of the Junior Auxiliary, the Cosmopolitan Club and the Pine Needle Garden Club.
Funeral services, officiated by Reverend Keith Gaughf, will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Columbia. Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:00. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery with pallbearers Tripp Jackson, Rand Mikell, Sheffield Barnes, Glenn Mikell, Jon Mossholder and Layton Jackson and honorary pallbearers Joe Bridewell, David Cotton, Tom Watts and Ben Watts.
Nell Barnes loved and was loved by many and will be a loss to family, friends and community that will not easily be filled.
