Dorothy Alma Barnes, 81

Spencer resident and Van Buren Co. native Dorothy Alma Barnes, 81, was born March 15, 1944 and died Feb. 16, 2026 at her residence following an extended illness.  

A retired employee of A.O. Smith and member of the Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Virginia Curtis Bouldin.  She was married June 29, 1961 to Jessie Willard Barnes, Sr. who preceded her in death. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five children, Roger Dale Barnes, Stephen Wayne Barnes, Mary Ann Paulette Gillespie, Terry Lee Barnes and Jessie Willard Barnes, Jr.;  grandson, Christopher Lynn Barnes and brother, Bill Bouldin.

Mrs. Barnes is survived by daughter, Marion Lance of Spencer;  grandchildren, Kevin Barnes, Joey (Jamie) Hobbs, Weston Lance and Curtis (Jenn) Lance;  great-grandchildren, Madison Hobbs and Peyton Barnes;  four siblings, Edna Milstead, Faye Bouldin, Paulette Boyd and Delaine DeBord all of Spencer; daughters-in-law, Betty Barnes of the Short Mountain Community and Gayle Dillard of Hendersonville; granddaughter-in-law, Julia Barnes of Cataula, Ga.;  sister-in-law, Carolyn Bouldin of Spencer and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 in High's Chapel with William Shockley officiating.  Burial will follow in Crain Hill Cemetery in Van Buren County. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. until time of service Thursday at High's.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Feb. 16, 2026