Betty Andrews Barnes

Betty Andrews Barnes-MACON-Betty Andrews Barnes died on Sunday, May 22, 2011, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 3pm Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Chip Miller, the Rev. John Kinser and the Rev. Jim Shipley officiating. Visitation will be held in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Entombment in Macon Memorial Park Mausoleum will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry St., Macon, Georgia 31201 or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Betty requested that her grandsons and grandsons in law serve as honorary pallbearers: Jeffrey Allen Dortch, Bert William Barnes, George William Barnes, Bryan Peter Barnes, Henry George Mahler III, Marcus Monroe Myers, Gregory Michael Corona and Joseph Steven Bloodworth.

Betty was born July 11, 1930, to the late Mattie Simmons Andrews and the late Grover Cleveland Andrews. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church as well as the Canterbury Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 62 years, Albert Lowndes Barnes. The two of them were a wonderful example of a Christian marriage.

Mrs. Barnes taught Kindergarten for many years and had a passion for working with little children. She wrote 17 children’s books in a collection she called “Miss Betty’s Books.” She taught music in the toddler Sunday School classes at First Presbyterian Church for a number of years. During her later years she mentored many younger women in her church and in the community. She enjoyed having luncheons, Bible studies and prayer groups in her home. Her greatest joy was having all of her family to her house for meals. She was a wonderful cook and hostess!

Mrs. Barnes had a close walk with the Lord everyday through reading her Bible and praying. One of her last requests to her family was to make sure the little ones all grow up to know Jesus. She was ready to meet her heavenly Father and be reunited with the love of her life, Albert.

Betty is survived by her children, Bonnie Barnes Dortch (Pete), Hawkinsville, George Albert Barnes (Naomi), Macon, and Matt William Barnes (Liz), Macon; grandchildren – Jeffrey Allen Dortch, Perry, Jamie Dortch Corona (Greg), Raleigh, NC, Kelli Barnes Mahler(Henry), Macon, Jill Dortch Bloodworth (Steven), Macon, Katie Barnes Myers (Marcus), Atlanta, GA, Bert William Barnes (Anna), Macon, George William Barnes (Rebecca), Macon, Bonnie Leesa Barnes, Macon, Rebecca Nell Barnes, Macon, and Bryan Peter Barnes, Macon; and great grandchildren – Gavin Mack Dortch, Perry, Anderson Joseph Bloodworth, Macon, Sadie Laine Myers, Atlanta, GA, Abby Olivia Corona, Raleigh, NC, Lillian Reece Myers, Atlanta, GA, Isaiah James Bloodworth, Macon, and Evelyn Barnes Mahler, Macon.

Snow Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services, Cherry Street, has charge of funeral arrangements.