March 16, 2023, 89, Goldsboro –
I lost my mom slowly over the last three years as she progressed through the stages of dementia. But it came with the blessing that I spent more time with her than I would have otherwise, as life moves so fast. It gave me the chance to see her in a different light, not just as my mom, but as a fun, loving, and carefree person as so many others have seen for years.
Frances Barnes was funny, silly, and laughed OUT LOUD. Her energy would fill the room. She was the life of the party with her quick wit and always-entertaining facial expressions. She loved to sing church hymns and people around her loved to hear her beautiful alto voice. She loved to cook, and she kept the stove fully occupied with wafting aromas throughout the house. Frances was generous and charitable in her passion, often baking for those who were sick. She loved meeting new people and spending time with friends. Her bright smile, booming voice, and appreciative nature made her memorable and loved. So many people tell me how sweet Frances was to them and how much they loved her.
In her almost 90 years of life, my mom taught me to work hard, be kind to people, and appreciate their contributions. She passed away peacefully holding my hand shortly after her pastor said the most beautiful prayer. We opened a window to let her spirit fly free.
She will be deeply missed by me, Fran, and my husband Chet Melvin; her three sisters-in-law, Carol Barnes of Jacksonville, Glennie Barnes of Kenly, and Reba Barnes of Goldsboro; several nieces and nephews, a great number of friends, relatives, and loved ones.
Frances is now reuniting with her first love and high school sweetheart, Rudy Barnes; wonderful mother and father, Alice & Howard Fields; sister, Goldie Pearce; and brother, Bobby Fields.
After a private burial, a memorial service will be held at Seymour Funeral Home at 1300 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro NC at 1 pm on Saturday, March 25th. A family visitation will immediately follow. Please wear something RED to celebrate Frances; it was her favorite color.
Flowers are welcome and will be donated to the local hospice and nursing homes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
PO Box 36
Pikeville, NC 27863
or to your local Hospice.
A special thanks to the pastor and members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Pikeville NC, Preston Pointe of Morrisville NC, and Abbotswood at Stonehenge of Raleigh NC, for all the love, support, and caregiving these past few years.
At PruittHealth – Carolina Point in Durham NC, where Frances lived her final days, a celebration of life and appreciation is being planned to thank the caring and devoted staff that quickly became her sweet friends.
It is Frances’ wish that these words be relayed to all her family and friends:
“I love the Lord very much and I try so hard to serve him and do his will. I pray I will grow closer to him as time draws near for his coming. I am ready. I am not perfect, but I am so glad that I know Jesus as my personal savior, and when we pray and ask for his forgiveness he hears and answers our prayers. I am sure he hears my prayers.”
“Thank you for helping me. I love you.” Frances said this to everyone who helped her these past few years, including me, Fran. She really meant it. She even told me she would come back and help me when it’s my time to go. I believe her.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
