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.
On behalf of our family, we thank each of you for your comforting and kind words of expression! We continue to take it one day at a time but find joy in our memories. Sending prayers and love to each of you! Nanette Barnes and Family
Auntie Nancy was a ray of sunshine in my live. She was my mother's dearest and client friend, ultimately consider the baby sister by my brother and myself. We spent many of times together. I will always cherish every moment . The Barnes are GREAT people always supportive and generous. Love you ALL RAOUL aka "Raroo" Al
May God grant each of you the exact measure of faith, hope, strength, love and peace needed to sustain you in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Count it joy for the memories of your time together. Oscar W. & Marian T. Brown
My deepest condolences and much love to my family on Cousin Nancy's passing. She was a wonderful woman. Full of life and love. We will miss her, deeply, and remember her always.
With a heavy heart, Adrienne Barnes Britto and Family
Our deepest condolences to the Barnes family. Sending our love and prayers to you at this difficult time of loss. Mr. & Mrs. W. Coye Williams, III (Mike and Jennette)
To the Barnes Family. Please accept our sincere condolencs. You are in our thoughts and Prayers. With love from The Pickett Family.
My Beautiful aunt that was an inspiration in my life and loved by all that really knew her. Gail Corbett Morris
To The Barnes Family My condolences are with you and your family. May God gives you strength during the loss of your loved one. Martha Thompson Augusta, GA
To: The Barnes Family
Expressing deep and heartfelt sympathy to you all in this time of sorrow. I Will keep you all in my prayers. Blessings.
Georgia White & Family
May you find strength from the love and care that surrounds you. Comfort in the memories of all you shared. Peace as you move forward with your loved one in your heart. Hope you can feel all the love and support being sent your way. With Deepest Sympathy. Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Brown, Sr.
So sorry for your loss. Garen and Angela Cofer
Please accept our sincerest sympathies Mr Barnes and family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Andrea and Malcolm Estroff
Please accept our sincerest sympathies Mr. Barnes and family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Andrea and Malcolm Estroff
Our condolences to Marion and his family! May Nancy rest in peace. Barnes cousins: Helen Williams Griffin Dawn, Dee and Pierce
Our condolences to Marion and his family. May Nancy rest in peace! Helen Williams Griffin Dawn, Dee & Pierce Cousins
My sincere sympathy to the Barnes family for the loss of your loved one.. Brenda Cooper-Jason
To the Barnes Family May the light of God's love embrace you during this difficult time. Thinking of the family and praying for peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.
Mashell Fashion
Deepest Sympathy. Frances Johnson LCL 72
To the Barnes family:I'm wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Love you Always!
Eva Hurt-Hawes and family
My Deepest Condolences!
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