of Searcy, AR

September 22, 1922 - March 25, 2023

Just a few months after she celebrated her 100th birthday, Elma Marie Barnes departed this life on March 25, 2023. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Elma was born in Lamar, Oklahoma to Marshall and Sarah Alice Welch. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Marvin Barnes; all nine of her siblings and her beloved grandson, Brant Barnes.
Elma was Mother to Lewis (Jana) Barnes, James (Jean Ann) Barnes, Brenda (Tom) Webb and Saundra (Robert) Brownlee. She was a loving MeMaw to Lori (Will) Gregory, Layne (Terry) Bruce, (Leslie) Barnes, Jason (Erika) Jones, Edward (Martha) Jones, Jennifer (Andrew) LaBar, Adam (Elizabeth) Webb, Sarah (Josh) Davis, Lindsay (Clay) Durham, Brandon (Brooke) Brownlee and Kirk Brownlee. She had 27 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. One of her greatest joys in life was helping take care of and loving on "Memaw's babies".
She grew up in Konawa and Vamoosa, Oklahoma. Times were hard in the 1920s and 30s, but they always had a few farm animals and grew a garden, so they had food to eat when others didn't. From this, she learned to be thankful. She also learned responsibility and developed a good work ethic. The family moved to Bassett, Arkansas when she was a teenager. It was there she met her future husband and raised her 4 children alongside most of her siblings and her parents. Together, they set the foundation for the generations to follow, to value family, love and loyalty. The legacy of the Welch siblings lives on in the many cousins who are very intentional about keeping family relationships alive. In this way, Elma's light and that of her siblings, will shine on.
Elma was a gardener and loved being outside in her yard with her flowers. She enjoyed sports (both watching and playing), fishing, quilting, playing cards and traveling. She loved getting behind the wheel of a car and driving, mostly driving fast. She also loved being in charge.
It has been said many times that Elma was one of a kind. She lived life in full force, she was adventurous, she was stubborn, she was a born caregiver, she loved fiercely and she was full of grit and determination. She always said you have to keep going; if you quit you die. She never quit, she never gave up on people or life. Her indomitable spirit will live on in all of us who were blessed to know and love her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Roller Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy, Arkansas on Friday, March 31. Visitation will be at 3:00 p.m. followed by the service at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be at the Bassett Cemetery in Bassett, Arkansas on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the White County Aging Program (Lightle Center) in Searcy can be made in the name of Elma Barnes.

Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com