Judith Barnes Jarrett

Judith "Judy" Barnes Jarrett was born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her parents moved to Columbia, S.C. when Judy was an infant and she spent the majority of her life in Columbia and Chapin, S.C. She passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on July 11, 2026.

She grew up in Forest Acres and attended local schools. After graduation from high school she attended and graduated from the old Columbia Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her Registered Nurse designation. She was working as a registered nurse when she met Gene, her husband of fifty-six years.

When their children started arriving, she became a full-time mother. Over the years, she was very generous with her time volunteering as a school nurse and later as an active band parent for the Irmo High School Marching Band. Her youngest daughter was a member of the band and when they participated in her first away contest, Judy was surprised to learn that there were no plans to feed the almost two hundred band members. Before the next contest, Judy gathered a few band mothers at her home and they prepared meals for every member. At the contest, bands from other schools noted what Irmo had done and quickly followed suit.

Judy was also active in her church serving on several committees. She especially enjoyed the Flower Guild since she had worked as a floral designer part-time when she attended nursing school. She enjoyed many happy years living in their Lake Murray home and their place in Cherry Grove Beach. Judy's outside beauty was obvious. She was just as beautiful in every other aspect of her life.

Judy was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Caroline Barnes; her daughter, Chris; her brother, Capt. Jeff Barnes, USAF, and her half-brother, Bob Barnes. She is survived by her husband, Gene; two daughters; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 20th at Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, S.C. with Rev. Jill Williams and Rev. Chris Fischer officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at the cemetery.