Dorothy Best Barnes, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2019. A longtime resident of Huntsville, she was born Dorothy Sharon Best in Montgomery, AL, the only daughter of Grover and Sharon Best. She graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1953 and went on to Auburn University, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While at Auburn, Dorothy met Billy Gene Barnes on a blind date and they married on December 15, 1956 following their graduation.
When Dorothy and Billy moved to Huntsville in 1958, they joined First Baptist Church where they were faithful and active members for more than 50 years. Dorothy was an active volunteer at First Baptist and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Billy. She is survived by her three children, Lee Atherton (Robert) of Birmingham, AL, Alan Barnes (Ginny) of Madison, MS, Carol Cox (Randy) of Huntsville; her six grandchildren, Emily Atherton, Brett Lindsay Smith (Josh), Logan Barnes Barlow (Beck), Riley Barnes Jordan (Trevor), Peyton Cox, and Davis Cox; and three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Beau, and Emma.
The family wishes to thank her wonderful care givers of the past few years from Home Instead, Thrive at Jones Farm, and most recently with Inisclee Hale and Good Samaritan Hospice.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 26 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home in Huntsville. The service will follow in the funeral home chapel with burial at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Women’s Job Corps in care of First Baptist Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
