Barbara Jean Barnes
1941 - 2025
Barbara “Jeannie” J. Barnes
January 16, 1941 – September 22, 2025
Barbara Jean (Demerit) “Jeannie” Barnes, formerly of Raymond, NH, and most recently of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 84.
Jeannie was born on January 16, 1941, and was adopted by the late Albert and Velma Demerit, who lovingly raised her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Edgar Barnes.
For more than two decades Jeannie worked for the Raymond, NH, school system, ultimately serving as Kitchen Manager, where she was known for her dedication to the students and her colleagues.
In her younger years, Jeannie was a professional country-music drummer, performing under the name Jeannie Young alongside her husband Edgar in the band Eddie Young and the Young Ones. Together they shared the stage with some of country music’s most iconic artists, including Kitty Wells, Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard, Dick Curless, and Dolly Parton. Music remained one of Jeannie’s lifelong joys.
Jeannie had a lively spirit and a quick wit that endeared her to everyone she met. She adored her beloved cat, Cuddles; loved playing cards and visiting casinos; enjoyed watching LMN and Lifetime movies; and had a famously sweet tooth. Her humor brought smiles to family, friends, and even to her doctors and nurses, who always asked about her when she wasn’t with them.
She is survived by her children: Darlene (Mark) Dyer of Winston-Salem, NC; Daryl (Becky) Barnes of Hampstead, NH; and Doyle (Shelli) Barnes of Winston-Salem, NC. She was the proud grandmother of Kayla Kennedy of Winston-Salem, NC; Ariel Ryan of Gardner, MA; Jordan Ryan of Raymond, NH; and Maddison (Tyler) Comeau of Jacksonville, NC.
She is also survived by her sister Judy (Demerit) Pare of Longs, SC; her brother-in-law Frank D. Barnes of Bennington, VT; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one nephew.
Jeannie will be remembered for her humor, her passion for music, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
A memorial service will be announced by the family at a later date.
Mom I know we’ve had our good and bad moments but I always have and forever will have you in my heart. Love Daryl
In loving memory of a life that brought so much light & meaning to others!
I met Jeanie when I became friends with Dee, I always loved her laugh and I thought she was magical because of all the jewelry she wore and her musical talent, I love jewelry and I loved all the jewelry she would show me. She was so kind to me told me I looked nice and was so pretty, it lifted my spirits. She is with her family and her love Eddie now. She will be with us all always and I will forever hear her laugh.
I miss being able to run in and tell you about the current Rosie adventures, or the next household sagas going on and many other stories and tales of our community of “who dunnites”! I find myself throughout the day starting to go talk to you and then remember you are not there. Mark could not have your bedroom door open for days because he didn’t want to look in there. It is hard moving on without you here. You have been such a huge part of all of our lives these past 4 years. I miss you coming into the kitchen and talking to me while I made dinner. Too many things to mention…. bring tears to our eyes. I miss you mum, and love you even more. You are truly MISSED beyond words can say. I am so blessed to have had you here the last 4 years. I am also thankful that you did not realize you were heading to Heaven. Love you…..
Nana, I feel so blessed that we had these last four years with you living with us. We shared so many special memories, and I find comfort knowing you truly felt love from those around you. 💕
I only wish you could see all the people who have reached out and commented since you joined Grandpa—you were loved so much more than you ever realized. ❤️
A wonderful mother in law…you will be missed Miss Jeannie Beanie…❤️ much love to you and your family…
You was like a Mother to me…I will always be grateful that you were a part of my life…..Miss You !!💜
May you sleep in peace until we all meet again. Please watch over your loving family. They will miss you in the physical but they have lots of beautiful memories of all of you together. ❤️🙏