LuAnn "Lu" Barnes-Williams

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Lakeview High School

LuAnn Barnes-Williams Obituary

LuAnn "Lu" Barnes-Williams Portage LuAnn "Lu" Barnes-Williams, 53, of Portage and formerly of Battle Creek, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Bronson Methodist Hospital with her loving family at her side. She was born in Lebanon, Indiana on November 22, 1954 the daughter of Ralph Jr. and Elizabeth "Jo" (McDaniel) Barnes and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1972. A true lover of life, Lu poured her life into everything she did. She would do anything for her clients and was thought of by many of them as family. Lu had served in various capacities at such companies as Waste Management, Battle Creek Equipment, McDonald's Headquarters in Battle Creek, Battle Creek Honda, Keller-Williams Realty and most recently at Re/Max Advantage in Kalamazoo. Lu's love for her two boys and her mother went beyond measure. As a single mother, she was always there for her boys and they never had to worry about going without anything they needed. She was so proud of her boys, Jonathon, a licensed funeral director at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home and Justin, Student Ministries Pastor at Lighthouse Community Church in Kalamazoo, which she was so excited about because both of her boys were back locally. Lu also did anything she could for her mother and spent as much time with her as she could. Their bond was simply amazing and more like that of best friends and meant so much to Lu. Lu married Lee Williams on June 26, 2002. Lee has brought her so much joy and another passion in life, "Grandchildren." She looked forward to family gatherings or just time with the grandchildren that brought her so much happiness. Lu is survived by her husband, Lee; her two boys, Jonathon (Kristine) Barnes of Battle Creek and Justin (Jessie) Barnes of Kalamazoo; her mother, Elizabeth "Jo" Norr of Portage; a sister, Melinda (Marvin) Shelton of Anna, Ohio; nephews, Erik and Kyle Shelton and Brian, Steven and Andrew Barnes; Lee's children, Lisa (Dale) Miller, Deborah Williams, Shonda Williams, Jen (Shawn) Ritter; 11 grandchildren; and many loving friends who meant so much to her. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Barnes Jr. in 1965; her special father, Harvey Norr in 2005; and her brother, Bob Barnes in 2007. Lu was a member of the Lakeview Baptist Church, the Association of Realtors, past-president of the Battle Creek Area Lioness and had been active on the Balloon Festival Committee in Battle Creek. She loved flowers, entertaining family and friends, being a part of her boys' lives and their events and helping the blind and other people in need. Lu's smile, sense of humor and personality will truly be missed by all who knew her. At the request of the family, they will gather to receive friends 2:00 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Ave., Richland. Funeral services to celebrate Lu's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the First Wesleyan Church, Battle Creek with her 2 boys, Justin and Jonathon, officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials made to the Shrine Hospitals for Children or the Lighthouse Community Church Student Ministries would be greatly appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for LuAnn Barnes-Williams

5 Entries

Casey Lemmons

September 22, 2008

Jon, Kris & family...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. May God wrap His arms around you in this difficult time and comfort you with His love. I can't even imagine...if there is anything I can do please don't hestitate to let me know.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Diana Fullerton

September 22, 2008

LuAnn was a dear friend of my mother, Bonnie Bishop (who passed away in 2002). They worked together at Waste Management. My heartfelt sympathy to the family and to all who loved her. Especially to Sandy Hubbell.
Sincerely,
Diana Fullerton

Martha (Penn) Camp

September 21, 2008

Lu and I graduated together at Lakeview and she was a good friend. We moved back from Pennsylvania to Michigan a few years ago, up by Higgins Lake, and I ran into her by accident when we were in Battle Creek. I'm glad we got to chit chat and laugh about the old times and how "young" we were both becoming. She was very proud of her family and told me how they were doing. She was a lovely woman and will be missed. As I write this, we are vacationing back in PA and I won't be home to attend, but I hope her family knows my prayers will be with them. . .

Wendy Curl Olmstead

September 20, 2008

Lu was one of my very first friends when I moved to Battle Creek, Mi from Rapid City, S. Dak. We were only 10yrs. old and she lived just around the corner from where I lived. We became great friends. Both new to the area. Her family were so wonderful, especially her mother. In fact her mother and my mother effentially became Best friends!

We both graduated from Lakeview High School, and kind of lost touch, mostly once my mother passed in 1984. Because now my news 'link' to Lu was gone. Because our mothers were such grand friends, they kept us each updated on what the other was up to!

Then I did get to see her at her 'special' fathers viewing when he had passed. It was so great to see her, and we talked about keeping in touch. But as Life gives us all kinds of twists and turns----I moved to Denver, CO in July of 2006. So unfortunately as the best layed plans sometimes end up, it was not to be!! But, I will miss knowing that she is in the World somewhere!!!

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her Sons, Sister, and Her Wonderful Mother, Jo!! Jo was a VERY Special Friend to my Mother and I will NEVER forget all the kindness she has showed to our family over the years! God Bless You All!
Love,
Wendy

SANDY SMITH

September 20, 2008

I CAN'T THINK OF ANY WORDS THAT WOULD DESCRIBE WHAT A LOSS THIS IS. WHAT A WONDERFUL MOTHER, DAUGHTER, SISTER AND FRIEND. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE IMPACT LUANN HAD ON MY LIFE. SHE WAS THE TRUE EXAMPLE OF A CHRISTIAN.

TO SAY I AM IN SHOCK IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

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