Ellen Loreda Barnes

Ellen, born in Dyess Arkansas to a father who was a share cropper and a stay at home mom who worked the fields. Ellen worked the cotton fields in the mornings and afternoons between school hours. She fell in love with Will Barnes when she was in the 7th grade and he was a senior in high school. Their love for basketball and God’s will brought them together at the gym at Dyess High School. She knew at that moment she was going to marry him. He enlisted in the Airforce out of High School and when he returned she was waiting for him. They fell in love and married shortly after that and had three children, Teresa, Donna and Billy whom she adored and was a great Mother. She was a devoted wife of 64 years when Will went to be with our Lord and Savior. He was the only man she ever loved and was totally committed to him. Everyone that knew her loved her. She was a saint on earth. Unselfish and giving to everyone. She loved the Lord, walked and prayed with Him daily. Ellen devoted her entire life to Jesus, her husband, children, grand and great children that she loved. She will be in our hearts forever!

She was a preacher’s wife for 45 years. Kept the nursery and taught children’s church. She had such a heart for children.

Ellen left a wonderful legacy of putting the Lord first in her life and then her family. 

She had some favorite scriptures:

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Hebrews 9:27

It is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgement.

John 13:34 35

Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Romans 8:28

We know that in all things, God works for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.

Matthew 6:33

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto you.

Ellen’s one liners she always stated:

If you live long enough, you are going to get old.

It should not hurt to be a child.

Children only know what they are taught.

She will be in our hearts until we go home in eternity and will see her again. No more pain and sorrow. Rejoicing and praising our Lord and Savior.