Elizabeth Ann Barnes, 92

McMinnville resident and Overton County, Tenn. native Elizabeth Ann Barnes, 92, was born March 31, 1934 and died July 14, 2026 at The Webb House Retirement Center in McMinnville following an extended illness.

A business owner and antique dealer and a member of First Presbyterian Church, she was the daughter of the late William Edgar and Elizabeth Grace Sadler McDonald. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by father of her children, Paul Barnes; brother, Edgar Bruce McDonald and sisters, Jeanette Hollis and Sarah Nell Wilhite.

Elizabeth Ann McDonald attended UT Knoxville and later married Paul O. Barnes and they moved back to McMinnville. She was a devoted mother, housewife and a wonderful southern style cook. She was civic minded and worked in the community to support the First Presbyterian Church and the McMinnville Junior Chamber of Commerce. One of her passions was the game of golf and she became a very good local golfer. While in her 40’s she started and ran a successful antiques business in Atlanta, Ga. She came home to retire in McMinnville. But having way too much energy to sit still, she devoted a lot of time to supporting local candidates for the Warren County Democratic Party. Always patriotic, she was proud to support and attend President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. In her 80’s she was employed as a design consultant for B&P Lamp Supply, Inc. She was beautiful, spunky, a hoot and a pistol. We will miss her.

She is survived by sons, Barry (Debbie) Barnes and Paul Michael (Lisa) Barnes, both of McMinnville; grandchildren, Nada Jacobs, Grace Martin, Laura Beth Gheesling and Michael Barnes; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Faye Hurt; sister-in-law, Betty McDonald and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in McMinnville with Rev. Patrick Woolsey and Harry Green officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in McMinnville. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at High’s.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center, H.O.M.E. or First Presbyterian Church.

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

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

July 15, 2026