Dates
Elaine Ann Barnes went to be with our Lord on September 16, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1943 in Concord, Vermont. Elaine was raised in Boston, Massachusetts where she met the love of her life, a sailor from Texas, James Barnes. They would move to Texas in search of warmer weather and new opportunities. Elaine worked diligently at General Telephone until she retired in the early 90s. She made many great and lifelong friends while working at GTE, where she became a respected union leader and tireless advocate for her fellow co-workers.
Elaine loved her husband with all her heart and is finally reunited with him. Together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, cooking, and traveling. Together, they raised two children and played an instrumental role in their grandchildren’s lives, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, humility, and unconditional love. Elaine was deeply passionate about public service and civic engagement. A dedicated Democrat, she served her community for decades, volunteering at phone banks, working polling locations, and proudly representing her district as a delegate to the state convention.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Catherine Levy; her beloved husband, James Barnes Sr.; and her son, James "Jimmy" Barnes Jr.
She is survived by her brother, Gary Levy and wife Marissa; her daughter, Catherine Hair and husband Mike; her grandchildren, Brandon Barnes and wife Megan; Ryan Barnes and wife Jenna, and Jessica Griffin; and her great-grandchildren, Payten, Carson, and Allie Barnes.
A celebration of Elaine's life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Bentwood Country Club Patio.