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BORN
1927
DIED
2020
Emma Barnes Obituary
Mrs. Emma Lee Swinton Barnes, age 92, of Bridgeport, Connecticut entered a peaceful rest on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at her home.
Emma was born in Timmonsville, SC on May 27, 1927, to the late Otis and Louise King Swinton. Being raised in Timmonsville, SC, she attended the school system and graduated from Brockington High School. She also accepted Christ at a young age and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in Timmonsville, SC. After graduation, she migrated north to New York City and later to Danbury, CT, where she met and married West James Barnes. They settled in Bridgeport, CT and from this union, two daughters were born. The family worshipped at West End Tabernacle Church before finally settling at Mount Aery Baptist Church.
She was affectionately known as Mother Nature, Hun (short for Honey), Mama Sing or Money. She was full of life and illustrated what it means to "Love Thy Neighbor"! She opened her heart and home to so many loved ones and strangers alike. She was a well-known, strong woman who weathered the storms and never forgot her faith in the Lord.
She was a woman that enjoyed the simple life that came from being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, friend and confidant to many. Please don't be disheartened, remember that Mother Nature will always be around in spirit. God's Angel, "Emma Lee Swinton Barnes" is on duty!
She is survived by her devoted daughters: Elizabeth Ann Barnes; Edith S. Barnes; grandson, Elijah James Pettway; granddaughter, Ignatiusa' Joy Barnes; and a great-grandchild due in July, 2020; great-grandson, Kyree D. Pettway; two sisters, Beneatha (Samuel-deceased) Cummings; Edith (Rev. Matthew) McDonald; along with an abundance of family and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, West James Barnes; stepdaughter, Frankie Harris; five brothers and two sisters; as well as her dear friends: Mrs. Sarah Jones, Ms. Mary "Blue" .
A Graveside Service of Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in the State of Connecticut Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. Arrangements entrusted to George J. Peterson FH, 1041 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emma Barnes
Trudy Evans
April 26, 2021
Aunt Emma Lee what an amazing, beautiful loving queen! She always made laugh and lifted my spirits! Rest in Paradise!
Sheila Zoe Jackson
May 29, 2020
Mother Hun❤❤Sweet memories of meeting you in DC at Edyes Home ,You Graced that moment with such Joy and acceptance we laughed so Much My Prayers and condolences to Edye and Family as they Soldier on with that same spirit of
Monica Macedon
May 20, 2020
Aunt Emily, you are on the other side with family now, knowing you and my mom, Claretha are celebrating and having a wonderful time in the heavenly universe. Divine Love, Always
Michael Catoe
May 20, 2020
I will always be thankful to God and will cherish the opportunity to have known and spent time with Mother Emma Lee Barnes. I remember her for all of her kind and loving ways, her genuineness, and her warm and welcoming disposition. She was a Motherly Spirit to me and it will always conjure up pleasant thoughts whenever I think of her. The Catoe Familys deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the Barnes Family.
Jerome Roy
May 7, 2020
Mrs Barnes i remember when i first met you when your neighbor Paulette introduced us you were so cool i wish i had one of you famous ices you sold RIP
hosther Pettway
May 5, 2020
God bless her soul , she was my mom best friend, I met her many years ago,Mr Barnes,they were very nice, we all going to miss your smile, love always, Hosther pettway,RIP
Trudy Evans
May 5, 2020
What a beautiful, loving, sweet person. I smile thinking of her with Her huge heart and laugh. Sending my condolences and prayers to All the family Especially Mrs Edith.
Douglas Gleaton
May 4, 2020
Forever in our Hearts
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