Betty Joyce (Barnes) McGowan, age 79, born October 6, 1932 in Berry, Alabama passed away November 9, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) D. McGowan, father, William Austin Barnes, mother, Ruth John Barnes, brothers and sisters-in-law, Lowell & Mildred Barnes, Ralph & Alice Barnes and Garland Barnes, sister and brothers-in-law, Martha Lou & Jake Kimbrell and Harold Hartranft. Betty received her Undergraduate from University of Alabama and her EdS from Georgia State University and was a retired Reading Specialist for the Decatur City School System in Decatur, Georgia. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Barnes; sister, Eleanor Ruth Hartranft and many beloved nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 12, 2011 in Bethesda UMC with Rev. John Whatley officiating. Betty will lie in state at 9:00 am. The interment and graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm central time in Berry Cemetery, Fayette, Al service entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, 205-932-4882. Arrangements handled by Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Snellville, GA 770-972-3155.
