Bernice Helen (Williams) Barnett

Bernice Helen (Williams) Barnett, 95, of West Plains, Missouri, passed from this life on Friday, April 25, 2025, at West Plains, Missouri. Bernice was born October 5, 1929, in Moko, Arkansas, to Thurman Lewis and Anna Iona (Emery) Williams.

She was born into a large family known for their musical talent, quick wit, and loving although ornery nature. She told countless stories of sibling antics and pranks although she had an affinity for playing music and singing with her family. Bernice brought joy to many through her talents on the piano, guitar, and her singing. Her love for music was a gift she shared generously with all.

She was married to Aulcie Barnett for 63 years, whom she loved deeply, and he loved her equally in return. They had two children, Bruce and Tom, that they loved dearly. Bernice would gladly brag on her boys, even as adults, to anyone who would listen. Together, Aulcie and Bernice loved to travel, often sharing the journey with friends and family. When they could not be together for a time, even after 50 plus years of marriage, Aulcie would watch the driveway for her return and then greet her at the car with a kiss.

God and family were the cornerstones of her life. The faith was her rock, and she shared it with her family in the most natural, loving way. She taught them all about kindness, forgiveness, and the quality of love through her example by living her life in Christ. Her love for the Lord was the foundation of who she was, and it brought her a lot of peace and joy.

She was never too busy to spend time with her loved ones, and had a special love for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren (Great-great, etc.) who were her pride and joy. Her home was always filled with laughter and love, as she made sure to create special moments with each of them. Both Bernice and Aulcie could be found playing games or playing dress up and putting on skits to make their grandchildren laugh.

Bernice was a beautician and homemaker who had a passion for sewing and cooking, though her family humorously admitted that she would often burn her culinary creations. This endearing trait became a family joke, one that "Grandma" embraced with her characteristic sense of humor. She loved to laugh, especially at herself, and her ability to find joy in life's imperfections was infectious to be around as you would find yourself laughing with her.

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and music. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her spirit will live on in the memories and melodies she left behind.

She leaves to mourn her passing, two sons, Bruce Barnett (Laura) of West Plains, Missouri and Tom Barnett (Dee) of Nocona, Texas; five grandchildren, Michelle Neely (Scott), Dawn Jones, Nicole Barrett (Steven), Meagan Crider (Charles), and Mackenzie Holbrook (David); thirteen great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; brother, Russell Williams of Cayucos, California; two sisters, Joyce Perkins of Salem, Arkansas and Donna Rickett (Marvin) of Searcy, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband (Aulcie Barnett), parents (Thurman and Anna Williams), five brothers, and two sisters.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 2, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Dan Campbell officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. until time of service on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Stateline Cemetery in Moko, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Camden Barrett, Rodney Hamby, Cole Jones, Steven Barrett, Brandon Collins, and Charles Crider.  Memorials may be made to the Moko Church of Christ. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.