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Nellie Barnes Obituary

Our mother Nellie Nell Rich Barnes has left this life to start another with her husband Thomas M. Barnes. She is survived by her first son Thomas M. Barnes, Jr. his wife Sally and their son Thomas Joseph Barnes and his wife Lisa who live in the Atlanta area. Her second son James C. Barnes and his wife Darlene live in the Chicago area. Nell's only daughter Mary Elizabeth Barnes Barcelona and her children Elizabeth Michele Barcelona and James Michael Barcelona, Jr. live in San Antonio. Nell's mother Willie Maude Bradley still lives in Tallulah, LA. Nell has 3 brothers Robert Rich, AJ Bradley, and Edgar Bradley their wives and countless nieces, nephews and their children. Nell has additional nieces and nephews from her husband's side of the family who also survive. Nell and her husband moved to the Wetmore, TX when their first son was a baby and Stahl Rd was a gravel path. Later they moved into San Antonio when her husband joined the San Antonio Police Department. During this time she and her husband developed a love for orchids and after his retirement from the Police Department and the Stagehands they opened and operated Barnes Nursery for many years. Both were very active with the Police Officers Association Retirees, AARP, their church, family and friends. Nell raised her children with love, affection, strong values and goals. Nell was always a giving person who always put others before herself. Recently in the Hospital she continued to impress people by her kind words and good wishes. Nell has suffered from Leukemia for almost 5 months. The treatment was hard but it gave her more time to remain with us. Her suffering has been great but she now goes on to a better life where she will join her husband and all others who have gone before her. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed by her friends and especially her family. Her light has gone out but like the spring season she has given new light, life and love to the world. Nell was born on September 12, 1926 in Plain Dealing, LA. We, the family, request in lieu of flowers that donations be made in her name to the Hot Wells Baptist Church Library Fund or the American Cancer Society. Viewing will be held at the Alamo Funeral Home on Monday, March 24, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with services to be held at the Hot Wells Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Internment will follow at Mission Burial Park South. Arrangements are with: Mission Alamo Funeral Chapels.


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Published by San Antonio Express-News from Mar. 22 to Mar. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Nellie Barnes

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Darlene & Jim Barnes

March 17, 2024

Saw a white and purple orchid the other day and its beauty stood out like Nellie!
Lit candles at the church for our adored moms to shine a light on all the treasured memories that we carry and share.
On this anniversary the thoughts of Nellie are carried from our hearts, mind, and soul which will not be obscured through the passage of time!

Darlene & Jim Barnes

Darlene & Jim Barnes

March 16, 2020

On this anniversary Nellie Barnes will be greatly remembered as in each and every day! Time has passed but memories havent faded. As each day goes forward we take wisdom we have learned from Nellie and this keeps her with us in our hearts forever and a day!

Nancy Pilarczyk

December 24, 2008

Mrs. Barnes started out as my Girl Scout Leader but ended up like a second Mom to me. She was always an angel in my eyes, that’s why I know she has been blessed with eternal life. The last time I saw her, she hugged me and told me she loved me . . . such a nice memory to be left with. I always send her a Christmas card this time of year. Now that she has a new address, I will just send it to her through my heart. Merry Christmas Mrs. Barnes, you were truly a blessing in my life and helped me grow into the person I am today. For that, I am eternally grateful. I will remember you always and will always miss you.

December 14, 2008

God saw she was getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he opened his arms and whispered come home with me. With tearful eyes you watched her suffer and saw her fade away. Although you loved her dearly you could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating; a determined spirit is at rest. God broke your hearts to prove to you, he only takes the best! -Author unknown.

Candy Maynard Anderson

April 2, 2008

Nell Barnes was my Girls Scout leader and touched my life in so many ways. I would see Nell once or twice a year over the last 40 years and it was always a joy. She always made you feel like seeing you was so special to her. I loved the way Nell loved her family. She always talked with such love and pride in her family. Nell's love and Christian spirit was open for all to see. This world was a better place because she was in it. Mary you and your family are in my prayers. I know how much you will miss her.

Shelby Cox Conti

March 31, 2008

My dear cousins, my heart goes out to all of you. Nellie was an angel on earth. I am glad that we had those times chatting together via E-mail. She had such a strong faith in God and we often talked about religion. She was my dear cousin who was also my good friend.
Shelby Cox Conti, daughter of John A. Cox

Kevin and Tamela Kubicek

March 29, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Kimberly Freedman

March 25, 2008

Our sincerest heart felt sympathy goes out to the family of Grandma Nell! The beautiful person she was lives on through her family and friends! It is our great pleasure to know Mary, Elizabeth and James, and to have known Nell! She was a surrogate grandma to Jillian and Kyler while we lived in San Antonio and we are very thankful to have been in her life, even if it was too short of a time!

Martha Burnett

March 25, 2008

We were saddened to hear about Ms Barnes' death. She was a wonderful lady and a great asset to our Study of Aging for many years. We are proud to have known her.
Martha Burnett
The University of Texas Health Science Center

Glory Taylor

March 24, 2008

my heart felt sympathy to you the family of Nell, She was a great human being, the world is a better place because she was here.

Jim & Darlene Barnes

March 23, 2008

Nell was my Mother-in-Law, and when my mother died nine years ago she was able to ease my sorrow. Nell was always so vivacious and caring. We are going to miss our long distance conversations, as Nell was so comforting with her southern charm and soft voice that spoke from her heart. Nell's late husband had a particular saying, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice" and Nell was NICE. She will be missed so much!
Love, Darlene, Jim and Michael

Sherry Smith

March 23, 2008

Nell was a good friend and a very special lady. I will miss her very much. She was greatly loved at Hot Wells Baptist Church where she served the Lord faithfully. The family will continue to be in our prayers.

Sandra Bradley

March 23, 2008

Aunt Nellie, You were very special to me. You always made me and my boys feel special any time we saw you. You will be deeply missed by our family but I know you are in a better place now and watching over us.

John Little

March 22, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Bill and Peggy Sikes

March 22, 2008

A beautiful obituary for a true lady who we loved as a sister. She is at peace now. God bless her children and her brothers and their wives and other relatives. We shall be together again one day. Bill & Peggy B Sikes

Ethel Lemons Balbaugh

March 22, 2008

I am so sorry about the loss of your Mother. Mrs. Barnes was my Girl Scout Leader for many years. She was so considerate and genuinely cared about all of the girls. She made quite an impact on my life by her example. I know she will be blessed in heaven just as she blessed so many here on earth.

James Merrill

March 22, 2008

Sorry I cannot be there for the services but, my wife and I will miss Nellie. We always enjoyed seeing her at the Cox Reunions at Talullah

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