Helen Barnes

Helen Marie Brisson Barnes, 93 of Tar Heel passed away on July 11, 2014 at Carolina Inn Assisted Living.

Helen was born on November 9, 1920 in St. Pauls, NC, to the late William Travis and Alma Starling Brisson. A long standing member of Tar Heel Baptist Church and an active member of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class as long as her health allowed. She had unrelenting faith, loved family and the church. Helen was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister in law and aunt. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 69 years Lewis Barnes. Two brothers, Edward Brisson and William Travis Brisson Jr.; sister Lillian Dixon and a grandson, Jerry C. Barnes, Jr.

Helen is survived by her four children, Jerry Channing Barnes and wife Cathy, Edward Ray Barnes and wife Betty Jo, Glenda Faye Johnson and husband Richard, and Carolyn Lewis Johnson and husband Kenneth. Six grandchildren, Mary Beth Felty, Lori Lynn Johnson, DeAnn Klayner, Betty Rae Warren, Jamie Johnson, Christhilf and Edward Lewis Barnes. Five great grandchildren; Tony Felty, Hannah Marie Felty, Blythe Raden Klayner, Riley Kennedy Christhilf and Stuart McDonald Christhilf, V. Numerous nieces and nephews. And her special companion for the past year Stephanie Duarte.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Carolina Inn for their love and care of our mother for the last year and a half.

A service to celebrate her life will take place at Tar Heel Baptist Church on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Warren Hill and Rev. Dr. Mack Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation 1 hour before the service. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. After the burial the family invites everyone to a reception in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Tar Heel Baptist Church.