Atoyia Barnes was born December 1, 1977 in Selmer, TN, the daughter of Dale Alexander and the late Dwana Pusser Garrison. She departed this life on June 5, 2024 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 46 Years, 6 Months, 4 Days.
Atoyia was a member of the First Baptist Church in Adamsville, Tennessee where she had served as Preschool Choir Director for several years. She also served as a Pageant Judge and was involved in Miss TN as a host for the Walking Tall Preliminary Pageant. She was the first softball player from Hardin County High School, as a first baseman to receive a full scholarship to Jackson State. Her passion for nursing led her to earn her LPN in nursing, and she went on to positively impact countless lives through her work in the field for many years. She also was a member of many clubs and a voice on Tiger radio at Hardin Co High School.
Beyond her professional achievements, Atoyia’s greatest joy and source of pride were her sons. She had a deep love for flowers, animals, and cherished moments spent with her family and friends. Atoyia’s kind spirit, warm smile, and unwavering dedication to those she loved will always be remembered.
She is survived by sons, Hayse Barnes and Jack Houston Barnes; father, Dale Alexander of Adamsville, TN; two sisters, Madison Garrison Bush and husband Josh of Houston, TX, Megan Chandler and husband Cory of Chattanooga, TN; a brother, Josh Alexander of Chattanooga, TN; stepfather, Jamie Garrison of Adamsville, TN; and step paternal grandfather, Ronnie Christopher of Adamsville, TN.
In addition to her mother, Dwana Pusser Garrison, Atoyia was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Buford and Pauline Pusser; paternal grandparents, Gerald Alexander and Betty Christopher; and stepmother, Devena Alexander.
