Ruth Evelyn Barnes

Ruth Evelyn grew up in Jackson and graduated from Central High School in 1947. She continued her education at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, specifically vocal performance. Ruth Evelyn worked for a bank in Jackson while she waited for the love of her life James Franklin Barnes to complete his military service and master’s degree.

Ruth Evelyn and James were married on June 19, 1956 in Jackson. Shortly after that she joined him in Tyler, Texas where he was already a professor at Tyler Junior College. They were married 56 years. Ruth Evelyn and James have four children. They were members of First Baptist Church, Tyler where they both sang in the adult choir with Ruth Evelyn being a featured soloist.

Ruth Evelyn was primarily a homemaker however when her children were older, she returned to college earning an Education Endorsement at UT Tyler. She worked for Tyler ISD at Mattie Jones Elem, Ramey Elem and Clarkston Elem. She also worked for many years at First Baptist Church Childcare teaching Kindergarten.

Ruth Evelyn was an avid bowler, square dancer and religious follower of her Texas Rangers. Her love for baseball began as a child when her father would take her to pro ballgames in Jackson. She enjoyed traveling, especially cruising with her mother and sister Barbara.

Ruth Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Carl and her daughter Kay Evelyn Barnes.

Ruth Evelyn is survived by three children, James F Barnes Jr. of Tyler, Sylvia Barnes Wilkinson and husband Gerald of Bullard, John Carl Barnes and wife Tracy of Chandler. Her four grandchildren Kelley Elam and husband James of Tyler, Adam Wilkinson of Buda, Kevin Wilkinson and wife Jessica of St John’s, Newfoundland and Brian Wilkinson and wife Rochelle of Magnolia. She was also “Gigi” to her 2 great granddaughters, Kensie Elam and Idalia Wilkinson.

Her sister, Barbara Bouchelle of Dallas, and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be her sons, son-in-law, grand sons and nephew, Michael Bouchelle. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Hospice of East Texas.