Dr. George Everett Barnes

Dr. George E. Barnes was born in Collins, MS on August 10, 1941. He was the youngest of nine siblings born to Elmer and Lora Barnes. During the course of his life, his parents stressed the importance of God, family, education, and hard work. He would find his calling as a devoted husband, father, educator, and servant. These values are evidenced by the fact that all nine siblings attended and graduated from Jackson State University. They went on to establish the Barnes Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to students majoring in education.

George graduated from Carver Central High School in Collins and went on to advance his education at Jackson State University (BS, Mathematics), Louisiana State University (MA, Mathematics), Mississippi State University (EdS, Community College Education), and the University of Southern Mississippi (PhD, Educational Administration). He furthered his studies at the University of Illinois and Auburn University.

While attending Jackson State University, he met his wife, Doris. They married in June 1963 and celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. To this union, three children were born: Cheryl Barnes, Gregory Barnes, and Kimberly McCants.

George began his career as a mathematics teacher at Hinds Agricultural High School in 1962. This would begin his 51-year professional and family life in Utica. During his tenure, Dr. Barnes served as an assistant basketball coach, college math instructor, Hinds AHS Principal, and Academic Dean and Acting President of Utica Junior College. When he retired, he was the Vice President for the Utica and Vicksburg-Warren Campuses and Administrative and Student Services.

His professional and civic affiliations have been numerous. These include Life Membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, Commission on Minority Services of the American Association of Community Colleges, and the Jackson/Hinds Library System, just to name a few. He was proud of the community organization started under his leadership in 1998, Friends of Utica, Inc., where he served as President for several years. Some of his fondest memories included traveling with the DECA land organization each year. George was also a faithful member of Institute Baptist Church in Utica, MS for over 50 years where he served as the Sunday School teacher and on the Board of Trustees.

George loved people ... meeting people, talking to people and helping people. He never met a stranger. He valued knowing that he made a difference in the lives of others and served as a positive role model for his family, friends, and colleagues.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife, Doris Barnes; one son, Gregory (Tina) Barnes of Florence, MS; two daughters, Cheryl Barnes of Dallas, TX and Kimberly (Marcus) McCants of Tampa, FL; five granddaughters: Jasmine, Tyra, Teia, Ryan, and Kendall; five bonus grandchildren: Tatyana, Kyana, Aaren, R.J., and Morgan; two bonus great grandchildren: Ava and Ace; one brother, Bernis (Forrestine) Barnes of Silver Springs, MD; one sister-in-law, Anita Barnes of Los Angeles, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Remembrances can be made to the Jackson State University Barnes Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/34eUag?vid=161zvu or the Hinds Community College George & Doris Barnes Scholarship Fund at https://foundation.hindscc.edu/giving/online