Bettye Joyce Barnes

On Thursday, April 11th, 2024, a solemn gathering will take place at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel in Haughton, Louisiana, to honor the life and legacy of Bettye Gipson Barnes. The service, led by Pastor Tommy Patton, will be a testament to Bettye's remarkable journey, with interment following at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will graciously welcome visitors starting at 1:00 pm at Hill Crest, until the commencement of the service.

Bettye's story began on May 31, 1935, in Centerville, Texas, where she was born to Emmett and Ruby Mae Burleson Gipson. As she grew, Bettye embraced life with a passion for sports, particularly basketball, and cherished her childhood memories spent at the family home on Lake Bruin in St. Joseph, Louisiana.

Fate wove its intricate threads when Bettye crossed paths with her future husband, Johnny Barnes, in Newellton, Louisiana, during her time spent with her dear friend Mary, Johnny's younger sister. Little did she know that this chance encounter would lead to a lifelong journey of love and companionship. Years later, destiny intervened once more when Bettye and Johnny were reintroduced on a blind date, igniting a spark that would eventually lead to marriage. In August of 1957, they exchanged vows, embarking together on a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

Bettye was truly ahead of her time, a progressive woman whose ideas and insights surpassed the era she lived in. Her dedication as a guidance counselor was more than just a job—it was a calling. She poured her heart into nurturing the high school students under her care, becoming a true champion for them. Her impact was profound; even after they left her guidance, many students stayed connected with her, a testament to her lasting influence.

Bettye's passions extended beyond the school walls with nature being her sanctuary, where she found solace and joy in tending to her exquisite flower beds and immersing herself in the sounds of chirping birds. Her home, with its breathtaking view of Cypress Lake, provided the perfect backdrop for her love of the outdoors.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of Bettye's life was her unwavering faith. It was evident in every aspect of her being, as a Sunday school teacher, to her leadership with Tommy Patton in the Adult Ministry, and her dedication as a choir member for many years at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana. Her relationship with the Lord was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her actions and shaping her service to others.

In 1971, Bettye's life was blessed with another layer of joy as she welcomed her beautiful baby girl, Stacey Anne, into the world. Motherhood completed her, filling her heart and soul with an unparalleled happiness. Through her roles as a mother, a mentor, and a woman of faith, Bettye's legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Throughout her life, Bettye epitomized the values of love, devotion, and family. She was not only a loving wife to Johnny, but also a devoted mother and grandmother, cherishing each moment spent with her beloved family.

Bettye went to join her Lord and Savior peacefully on April 4, 2024, in Plano, Texas. She was surrounded by her family and beloved caregivers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Matthew Barnes. Bettye is survived by her daughter, Stacey Noble and husband Thomas, and her grandson, Matthew Trace Noble, all of Plano, Texas, her brother, James Robert Gipson and wife, Linda, of Zachary, Louisiana, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be John Harris, of St. Petersburg, Florida, Rob Harris, of Monroe, Louisiana, Mark Noble, of Shreveport, Louisiana, Clay Walker, of Minden, Louisiana, Roger Walker of Minden, Louisiana, and Rick Walker, of Daisy, Arkansas.

The family would like to thank Bettye’s outstanding care givers, Margaret Sabia, Jane Nyakundi, Sabina Onwonga, Elizabeth Agoki, Jackie Purdy, Michelle Mayeaux, and Michelle Carlson. Bettye was also lovingly cared for by several nurses, including Patty Jenkins, RN, and Jonas Brackeen, RN.

The family would also like to thank the many volunteers with Silverstone Hospice and Dan Ames, Chaplain, who led Bettye spiritually, walking a path illuminated by Bible readings and soul-stirring songs in her last few months here on earth.

As we come together to say our final goodbyes to Bettye, let us hold dear the memories of her vibrant spirit, her steadfast love, and the profound impact she had on so many lives through her boundless kindness and grace. Though she may have departed from this earthly realm, her legacy will live on eternally within the hearts of all who were blessed to have crossed paths with her. In our collective remembrance, Bettye's essence will continue to inspire, comfort, and guide us, ensuring that her light shines brightly in the tapestry of our lives.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

-Winnie the Pooh