Helen Tarpley Barnes' Obituary
Helen Tarpley Barnes, age 99, of Austell passed on to her Heavenly home on April 22, 2024
Helen was born the fourth of five children to James Walter and Jackie Mae Tarpley in Bowdon, GA in 1924. Her father farmed and raised everything the family ate. One year, Papa let her raise a calf to pay for her class ring, which cost $8.00.
Back then, you completed your schooling in 11 years. After her graduation, she went to business school at the Atlanta School of Commerce to train as a bookkeeper. She was a bookkeeper for many businesses over the years.
Helen was very involved at her church, Calvary Baptist, and served in many capacities, including Sunday School teacher, church treasurer, Women’s Missionary Union, and Girl’s Auxiliary. She loved missions. Last year, she crocheted about 175 beanies for the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Boxes for Calvary. She crocheted 25 more this year before her fall.
Helen felt “blessed” to be able to maintain her home. She was an avid reader, but quilting with Mrs. Helen Howard, crocheting afghans, booties and beanies, and working in her flower garden was her passion. She never wanted anyone doing for her; she lived to do for others. She loved her girls, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly.
We will miss her down here, but Heaven is a little bit brighter with Helen Barnes there. Thank you all very much for loving my mother.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, James Walter Tarpley and Jackie Mae Tarpley; husband, Charlie Marvin Barnes; daughter, Deborah Ann Barnes; and siblings, Florence Cox, Jack Tarpley, Jayman Tarpley, and Billy Tarpley.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Ellis (Paul) of Dallas; grandchildren, Drew Ellis (Tammy), Chris Ellis (Ashley), and Jeff Ellis (Alesha); great-grandchildren, Dylan, Makenzie, Reese, Cash, Waylon, Mays, and Max; and many beloved extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home.
A funeral service honoring Mrs. Helen's life will be held Thursday, April 25th, 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel with Rev. Bill Rorie officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens.
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