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
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11 Condolence(s)
Freddie Alexander Bowles
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Elme was truly one of a kind! She was a mother to all and welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and the best home cooking ever! She could make anything with her sewing machine, and look out if you were playing spades. I spent as much time in her home as I did my own growing up in Joiner. So much joy and love surrounded us from Elme and Marvin that you knew all was right in the world. Love to all the Barnes family with us and with the Lord.
Jack and Martha Gregory
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Meemaw was a great Christian lady she knew how to love laugh and live life to the fullest! She will be missed!
Gene and Rae Hall
Friday, March 31, 2023
Sending love and prayers to Ms. Barnes' family. We loved Ms. Barnes and the times we spent with her either playing Sequence or going out to eat. She's a wonderful lady who left an impressive legacy.
Steve Vest
Friday, March 31, 2023
Mr and Mrs Barnes hearts and home was always open to the friends of their children. They made us feel like family and we loved them very much.
Charles and Diana Laing
Friday, March 31, 2023
In the decade that we lived next to Mrs. Barnes, she was a great neighbor. Her Christian kindness was always evident, whether sharing from her plants and garden or inquiring about our health. She always had beautiful plants and shrubs and was generous to give us starts from them. We'll really miss her.
Becky Welch
Friday, March 31, 2023
Sending prayers and love to all of you..what an amazing life Aunt El had..I know she will watch over all of you.
Love, Becky, Lexa, & Danny
Paul and Jeanine Schmierbach
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
James, love and prayers for you and your family. I wish we could have met her. From all the commentary and many stories over time, your mother was a wonderful soul. So sorry for your loss
John &Joanne Kirkland
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
We are proud to have known such a caring person and family, You will be missed dear friend!!!
Sincerely, John and Joanne Kirkland
Deborah Henry
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Prayers for all the family. Love in Christ, Deborah
Vickie and Joe Keeton
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Dear Brenda, Tom, Sarah, Lindsay, Adam and Family.
Ms Barnes was truly a great woman. She loved completely. We all joined your family. She was remarkable.
We celebrate in her Homecoming in Heaven. We know you will miss her dearly. We send our love to you.
Vickie and Joe Keeton
Denise Blackford
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Aunt El was an amazing woman. When she held you hand or hugged you…you could just feel her love and it would wash away any sadness or anxiety you had. One by one as her siblings passed away, she would step in as our mother. I will never forget the stories she would tell. Brenda, Saundra, James and Lewis (along with all of her family) I love you and am praying for you.