Bette Jean Barnes

With full hearts, we announce that Bette Jean Phillips Barnes, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Blanche and Guy Phillips, born on July 23, 1931.
Bette grew up in Carrollton and graduated from Carrollton High School, a member of the class of 1948. While in school, she played basketball and was a member of the Beta Club. Ten generations of Bette's family have lived in Carroll County, a legacy she deeply cherished.
She met the love of her life, Arnold Barnes, on a blind date, and together they shared 56 years of marriage. They welcomed four children and created a warm, loving home for their family. Early in life, Bette found joy in sewing for her children and participating in bowling leagues. In later years, she enjoyed gospel music, jigsaw puzzles, and her favorite soap operas.
For many years, Bette and Arnold hosted the annual Barnes Family Reunion on their farm near Bowdon, creating treasured memories for generations of family members.
Bette was a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church. She dedicated many years of her life to public service through her work at the Carroll County Courthouse. She made history as the first woman voted into office in Carroll County and was elected Tax Commissioner, serving multiple terms and winning the office every time she ran. She loved helping the citizens she served and took great pride in her work.
She also enjoyed her retirement years, sharing the simple joys of everyday life with Arnold and spending countless cherished days with their four treasured grandchildren.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold Barnes; her sons, Phil Barnes and Scott Barnes; her daughter-in-law, Bridgett Barnes; her brother, Barnes Phillips; and her sister, Margaret Gable and her husband, Lafaette.
Her legacy lives on through her children: Lee Barnes of Birmingham, Alabama, and Carol McWhorter and partner Rob Douglas of Carrollton; her grandchildren, Arielle Kaminski and husband Alex of Athens, Georgia, Alex McWhorter and wife Jessica of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gil Barnes and wife Ashley of Hickory, North Carolina, and Kyle Barnes of Delaware, Ohio. Bette was blessed to live long enough to know her great-grandchildren, Owen and Eloise McWhorter. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Harriette Phillips of Carrollton, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
As the family honors Bette's memory, they reflect on the laughter shared around her kitchen table, her generous spirit, and the joy she brought into their lives.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care Bette received as a resident of The Birches Assisted Living in Carrollton.
A funeral service will be held to honor and celebrate Bette's life on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Barnes officiating. Following the service, a meal will be provided for family and friends in the Jackie House Care Center located behind the funeral home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) in honor of Bette's son, Scott, and her daughter-in-law, Bridgett. Donations may be made in Bette's memory by visiting cancerresearch.org.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Barnes family during this time.