February 15, 2024, 87, Goldsboro —
Jackie Langley Barnes, 87, Goldsboro, passed away at Kitty Askins Hospice Center on Thursday, February 15th surrounded by family. She was born in Nash County, (Sandy Cross) to the late German Datice Langley and Mabel Batts Langley on July 15, 1936. Jackie was the 13th of 14 siblings. Twelve siblings grew to maturity.
She graduated from Coopers High School in Nash County and Atlantic Christian College (Barton). Later in her career, while working full-time, she earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She married Donald Best Barnes on March 9th, 1957. They celebrated 63 years of marriage prior to his death in 2020.
Her career with the State of North Carolina included three years with the school system, five years with the Department of Social Services, and three years at Caswell Center in Kinston. Ultimately, she served as the Director of the Social Work Department at Cherry Hospital for the final 13 years of her career. During that time she graduated from the Department of State Management program. She also served on the Social Work Board at East Carolina University and the Social Work Alumni Board at UNC.
The family joined Saint Luke United Methodist Church in 1971, where Jackie served on numerous committees consistently through the years. She taught Sunday school for years and served as Lay Leader.
Her civic involvement included The American Red Cross and Wayne Opportunity Center where she served as Chairman of both.
After retirement, Don and Jackie traveled by planes, trains, and cruise ships and discovered a wonderful world. They also built their dream home on Holden Beach, NC across the street from her brother and his wife. Saturday dinners together became the tradition. Her hobbies included painting, crafts, gardening, and home decorating.
Jackie is survived by her daughter Mitzi Barnes Powell, son Donald Best Barnes II and wife Nicole, and grandchildren Will and Barnes Powell, Aimee, Langley, and Trey Barnes. She is also survived by a sister Janie L. Leegins and a brother Wiley F. Langley and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Helen Cogdell, Sabrina Draughon, Gayle Peele, and Patricia Williams who were warm companions in the final year and a half of Jackie’s life, allowing her to meet her goal of staying in her home until the end. They also want to thank the staff at Wayne Memorial Hospital and Kitty Askins for their compassionate care in her final days.
The funeral will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 19. The family will receive visitors in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to
St. Luke United Methodist Church
1608 E. Pine Street
Goldsboro NC 27530
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
