Page 5 - Juanita Barnes Celebration of Life

Her Story (continued)
A Time for Family:
Juanita was known for her warm spirit and generous love for her family. She was the “tomboy” among her sisters, Adelaide and Felicia. She was a prankster who loved playing tricks on most anybody, especially her siblings. At the early age of 11, she wasn’t afraid to drive her daddy’s truck or tractors around the farm either. She even knew how to fly a plane! This daredevil feat she learned from her older brother Allison who taught Flight Training at Hampton Institute. Before WWII came about and changed daily life, she had begun preparing for her pilot’s license but didn’t get a chance to complete the necessary requirements.
She claimed all her nieces and nephews as “her babies,” as well as a few who
were not
nieces and
nephews. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor, generosity and love for her friends. And she understood the importance of that love. She kept her faith strong even as she endured many health issues in her life. And she kept her mind active with crossword
puzzles, T.V. Game shows, and she was always ready for a game of cards. Some of her favorite shows were “Wheel of Fortune,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” and absolutely anything that “Madea” was into or up to. She also enjoyed traveling (especially to Dover Downs to
play the “One Armed Bandit”), and sitting on her side porch, rocking in her chair.
Her illness eventually confined her to the hospital and finally to East Pavilion Nursing Home, and while there, Juanita made friends with all the staff.
A Time for Social Life:
Juanita’s active social life included membership in the Deeces Pinochle Club and The Pinochle Bugs. She enjoyed being a member of the Zeta Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also found joy in her volunteer work with Riddick’s Folly in Suffolk; as a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer
Program with Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia; and as a lifetime member of the NAACP (Suffolk). She also belonged to several other social clubs.
A Time for Peace:
Our Lord and Savior called Juanita Constance Walden Barnes home on October 4,
2017, at 1:00 p.m. after a long illness, reuniting her with her beloved husband, parents,
siblings, other family members and friends. She went peacefully with her son at her side gently holding her hand.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Lee Andrell Barnes Sr.; two sisters, Adelaide W. Waters and Felicia W. Wallace; five brothers, The Rev. Gilmer Walden; Warrick Walden, Frank L. Walden, Allison Walden and Fletcher B. Walden.
A Time to Mourn:
Juanita’s precious memory will be forever treasured by her son, Lee A. Barnes Jr., who was her pride and joy; Her sisters-in-law: Ruby H. Walden, Vernell L. Walden and Sarah Jean Walden, (whom she affectionately referred to as her baby “Susta”). Her godchildren: J. Pat Walden, Pamela A. Walden (also her devoted niece who was her heart), Glen Walden, and Ralph Reavis Jr. (also her special son); Her special daughters: Barbara Warren Jones, Alberta Olivia Lang, Kwana D. Williams and Petrina Holland. Her special sons: Byron W. Williamson, Rev. Dr. William L. Lang; and Rexford E. Cotten and Mattie Stokes (her special “chauffeurs”); and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.