Aline Beaird Barnes, 98, of Hartselle, died on Feb. 19, 2016, at Huntsville Hospital. A native of Gadsden, she was the only child of Effie Duke and Louie Beaird. After graduation from Gadsden High School, she spent a year studying piano, voice, and organ through a New Deal program. She graduated from Athens College in 1938 as valedictorian of her class. During college she met E. M. Barnes Jr., a ministerial student at Birmingham Southern College and the son of her parents’ minister, on the steps of their church. They were married after his graduation from seminary in 1941.
As a talented musician, Mrs. Barnes served with her husband as choir director, organist, and in children’s ministry in their churches in the North Alabama Conference of the Methodist Church. In 1981, after his retirement, they returned to Hartselle where they had served First Methodist Church twice. She continued her music ministry, singing in choirs and helping with youth music programs.
Aline appreciated healthy cooking, composting, gardening, and experiencing nature.
After strokes at age 94 she lived at Columbia Cottage in Hartselle. There she valued relationships with caregivers and other residents. She worked daily crossword puzzles
and enjoyed reading and scrabble. She assisted staff in leading exercise classes. She treasured visits from friends and family and the birds who frequented the feeders outside her window.
Her family is grateful for her gifts which they strive to carry forward: self discipline, strength, love of church, affection for friends and family, faith, love of music, thriftiness, emotional eveness, life-long curiosity, acceptance of and growing with even unwanted change.
Aline was predeceased by her parents; her husband, E.M. Barnes Jr., and her son-in-law, Childs Berry.
She is survived by her children, Judy Berry and Dr. Ernest M. Barnes Ill (Nancy), of Huntsville and Dr. Susan Lamb (Skip), of Savannah, Georgia. Six loving grandchildren also survive her, John Ingram, Atlanta, Gabrielle Lamb, New York, Dr. Joshua Lamb, Charleston, South Carolina, Zachary Lamb, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ley Barnes, Atlanta, Georgia and Geoffery Barnes, Destin, Florida. Four great-grandchildren also survive, Aidan and Ansley Ingram and Gabe and Oliver Lamb.
Visitation is at Peck Funeral Home, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Funeral service will be at First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 22 with burial in Hartselle City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Hartselle.
