Glenda Maria Barnes

Glenda was a very loving and nurturing free spirited person, always putting others before herself. She always had a smile on her face and a contagious laugh. Glenda brought joy and happiness to everyone around her. She believed in the value of hard work and helping others out when she could. Glenda had three children and three grandchildren which she loved and cared for very much. In her free time, Glenda enjoyed traveling, attending family gatherings and spending quality time with her friends. She loved to dance and listen to some of her favorite artists such as Anita Baker, Luthur Vandross and Frankie Beverly. Glenda also had a green thumb for plants. She always said if you pour life into a plant, it will pour life into you. Those cherished moments brought her joy and created lasting memories.

Glenda attended and graduated from Harriman High School in 1977 Harriman, TN. She worked at Heritage Assisted Living for over 20 years as a Nurse Aid. In 2023 Glenda was nominated and selected to receive the Caring Hearts Award. She had the pleasure of attending the banquet to receive the award for providing outstanding care to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Most recently, Glenda worked at Arbor Terrace as a Nurse Aid. In both positions, Glenda had an amazing work ethic. She was known for being dependable, and never complained about picking up extra shifts to help her colleagues. Through her work, Glenda was able to make lasting friendships with kind and caring people. She planned to retire in 2025.

Preceded in death by her father, Arthur Mitchell; brother, Kendall Martin; sister, Gladys Dillihunt; and sister-in-law, Mary Foster.

Glenda is survived by her spouse, Clifton Barnes (married January 13, 1995, in Hampton, VA); children: Melvin Miller III, Keisha Williams (son-in-law) Kyle Williams and Cole Miller; grandchildren: Javarr Robert Miller, Kyla Ann Williams and Karah Brielle Williams; mother, Mary Virgina Martin; brothers: Sam Foster, Albert Foster (Glenda), Mark Freeman (Penny), Reuben Mitchell (Marsha), Arthur Mitchell, Jr. and Jack Scruggs; sisters: Rosalee Edkis, Audrey Wallace, Sharon Hinton, Ruth Farooq (Amin), Resha Mitchell and Nicole Mitchell; nieces dear to Glenda’s heart: Marquendra Mitchell, Mercedes Mitchell, LaKewsha Wallace, Darceia Wallace, Quantasia Johnson, Spleashia Williams, Kisha Patterson, Amariyah Lawson and Checovoia Foster-Bruce; nephews: Eric Myers Jr., James Coleman Jr., Marcus Freeman and Tyler Freeman; as well as special friends: Melvin Miller, Jr., Ellen Williams, Ann Wayland, Cat McBride and Porscha Lawless.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 PM Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920, with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00 PM.

Please join us for Glenda Barnes “Celebration of Life” at Embassy Suites Downtown, 507 S Gay St., Knoxville, TN 37902 (Ballroom level Tellico A) from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Parking is available on State Street or Market Street parking decks located directly across from the hotel, parking fee is $2 dollars per hour. Please note: If you are unable to walk across the street, you can be dropped off directly in the front of the building. We will be gathering for fun, food and to share some of our favorite memories and stories of Glenda. This is a time to remember a wonderful person who is greatly missed.

The Family of Glenda M. Barnes extends our sincere appreciation for all expressions of love and support shown during our time of bereavement. Your prayers and thoughtfulness have been and will continue to be a source of strength and encouragement. May God bless each of you.

“If roses grow in Heaven, Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her that I love and miss her when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away."

Online condolences may be left at www.berryfuneralhome.com.