AUGUSTA, Georgia—Nancy W. Barnes was born in Orlando, Florida on August 11, 1934, to the late Margaret Demps and Elbert Williams; she received her elementary and secondary education there, having graduated from Jones High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Au- gusta College (now Augusta University).

She was a member of Bethel AME Church and was a very active member over the years, serving as a charter member of the Choraliers, Young People’s Department (YPD) Director, Vacation Bible School coordinator, Women’s Day Chairperson, and member of the Sanctuary choir.

Mrs. Barnes was associated with several organizations in the CSRA. Those organizations included: charter member and Region IV 3rd vice-president of the Fort Gordon Chapter of Blacks in Government (B.I.G.), Augusta-Richmond County Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Federally Employed Women (FEW), President of The Augusta Chapter of The League of Women Voters, National Association of University Women (NAUW), and President of the Board of Directors of the Family Y (YWCA).

She was active member of The Augusta Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, serving as both recording secretary and president. As a Link, she was a first in her chapter to serve as a member of the Southern Area Nominating Committee. A Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Mrs. Barnes was initiated in the Augusta Alumnae Chapter on April 30, 1993; and she served as both recording secretary and vice-president. She was a member of the Les Femmes Fatales Bridge Club and a certified Parliamentarian.

One of Mrs. Barnes’ first jobs in Augusta was that of secretary at Charles T. Walker Elementary School. She later became a Satellite Communications (SAT-COM) Training instructor with the Regimental Trans- mission Systems Department on the military base, one of the first black females to serve in this role at Fort Gordon. Also, as an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency counselor while working on the base, she was responsible for investigating discrimination and sexual harassment allegations involving civilian personnel.

After retiring from Fort Gordon in 1995, Mrs. Barnes became a long-term substitute for the Richmond County School System and she also worked with the athletic departments at both Lucy C. Laney and T. W. Josey High Schools. Preceded in death by her beautiful sisters, Margaret “Jo” Baker and Rosa “Sis” Corbett; one of the joys of her life, her grandson, JerMichael M. Barnes; and her daughter-in-love, Patricia D. Dent, she is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Marion E. Barnes; loving and supportive children, Barry M. Barnes and M. Nanette Barnes; her precious grandchildren, Ra- fael P. Gowdy, Tameka S. Barnes, and Nevin Dent; her darling great granddaughters, Danielle A. Gowdy and Tamia A. Wyche; dedicated adopted children, Iris Y. Jones, Ronnie (Audrey) Spry, and Pamela (Antonio) Lewis; adopted grandchildren, Layfette Reynolds, DeMarcus Samuels and Marlynda (Derrick) Holley; sister-in-love, Annie P. Jones; godchildren, Byron (Sheila) White, Brent (Angela) Walker, Antron (Felicia) Freeman, LaShawn (Brandon) Nichols, Aliana Neal, and Larenda (Wayne) Johnson-Parham; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on the grounds of Bethel A.M.E. Church, 623 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA.

Services will be live stream:maysmortuary@facebook.com

Mask and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family’s scholarship fund:

The Marion E. Barnes Scholarship Fund Security Federal Bank Attn: Collette D'Antignac, AVP Retail Banking Manager 1607 Walton Way Augusta, Georgia 30904

W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706)722-6401.