Elizabeth Brooklynn Barnes

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Brooklynn Barnes, age 21, a beloved daughter, sister, fiancé, friend, and bright light to all who knew her. Elizabeth passed away on October 2, 2025, and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, selflessness, intelligence, and a joy that touched everyone she met.

Born on November 17, Elizabeth was a vibrant and compassionate young woman. As a child, she attended St James Catholic School, Gadsden Middle School. Then her alma mater Gadsden City High, where she excelled in all her classes. Elizabeth participated in many clubs and sports while in high school. She was in Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Key Club, top 10% of her class, on the Student Council, played on the flag football team, swim team, and was the starting goalkeeper for the varsity soccer team.

Liz was more than academics and sports, she was all heart and full of service. She was an active member in her church, Gadsden First United Methodist, where she had been a member since birth. As a child, she loved participating in the activities and program of the children’s ministry, then embraced those of the junior high and senior high youth groups. She also enjoyed being a member of the local Young Life group. Every year for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, Liz would choose an angel with the same birthday as her younger brother Luke, and purchase gifts on her own. She loved local and international missions. She served in the church’s soup kitchen, the church nursery, volunteered tirelessly in the Children’s ministry, led small groups in middle and high school, and even traveled to Mexico and the Philippines to serve.

Currently a senior at Auburn University, Elizabeth was pursuing a degree in Biology, and planned to continue her college career in the medical field. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and participated in their philanthropy, Service for Sight. She loved all things Auburn, and enjoyed rolling Toomer’s Corner and passed on that love to her little brother.

She is survived by her loving parents, Brad and Katharine; her little brother Luke; grandmothers Kathie Ferguson and Paula Barnes; cousins Lauren Penn and Averil Hardy; uncle Blake Barnes; her loving fiance Nolan Johnson; her two college kitties, Asher and Ariel; and countless relatives and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. Elizabeth was a beautiful soul—inside and out—and her absence leaves a void that will never be filled.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 7 at Gadsden First United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 2 pm with a service to follow at 4:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption, to continue the light she brought into the world.

Though her time with us was far too short, Elizabeth lived with incredible grace and purpose. Her memory will remain a source of strength, love, and inspiration to all who knew her.

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