Amelia Ann Barnes

Amelia Ann Barnes was born in Lexington, MO in 1927. She was the second oldest child born to Benjamin H. Johnson and Emma Lee Johnson. Amelia was a fine student and her high school valedictorian. Above all, she loved reciting poetry. Until the end of her life she was well known for her ability to recite poetry. This was a gift she shared generously with others.

Amelia pursued a career in nursing. She attended nurse's training at St. Mary Provident Hospital School of Nursing, in Xavier, Kansas was again valedictorian of her class and graduated in 1953. She was proud of her accomplishments as a nurse; she later worked at the Cleveland Clinic, where she was the first African-American nurse. Amelia was the nurse you would want to care for you. While in Cleveland, Amelia met and married Gustav Barnes Sr., her husband of 55 years. She and Gus moved to Kansas City, Missouri and later to Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego and Sun City). Gus preceded her in death in 2010.

Amelia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a kind and gentle woman with a beautiful spirit. She is survived by her children, Ann (Chris), Cathy (Scott) and Gus Jr., by sisters Celestine Johnson and Betty J. Johnson, grandchildren Erika, Allison Gus III, Louis, Eric, Ashley, Asjah, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Amelia was cared for until the end with love and generosity by the staff at Raincross, at Riverside, in Riverside, California.

Amelia enjoyed attending church at Center for Spiritual Living in Sun City, where she and Gus were active members giving the best of their individual talents. Amelia loved to dance and loved listening to her jazz and blues music.

Amelia Barnes passed away peacefully in Riverside, California.