Nell Imogene (Dorton) Barnes went to her heavenly home on September 23, 2026, at the age of 98. She had been longing to be in Heaven with Jesus and with her beloved husband, James Samuel Barnes, Jr., who preceded her in death.

Born on October 30, 1927, to the late Willard Dorton and beloved mother Goldie Pearl (Lewis) Dorton, Nell met the love of her life “Sam” in her hometown of McRoberts, Kentucky, upon his return from service in World War II. They married in 1946 and started a family whose legacy continues to flourish.

Nell, who was later given the special nickname of “Goldie” in honor of her mother, thoroughly enjoyed gathering with her family, having weekly get-togethers with her friends, playing Rummikub and other board games, doing word search, reading her Bible, and making her famous Pecan Sandies.

Nell’s faith impacted countless lives. From the time she became a Christian at age 17, Nell devoted her life to serving Jesus by helping those in need, driving the elderly to church, leading Bible study and Grief Share, praying for people, and loving her family and others. She served for many years at Westside Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later became a part of Liberty Heights Church in West Chester, Ohio.

Her beloved husband “Sam” and precious mother “Goldie Pearl” have surely been awaiting her arrival in Heaven, along with many friends and family, including her late siblings Robert C. (Peggy) Dorton, Ruth (James) Austin, and Jimmie M. (survived by Annette) Dorton, her cherished granddaughter Jamie Tucker Bengert, and her best friend Mildred, along with many other treasured friends and family.

She is survived by her dear son David (Kathy) Barnes, her loving daughter Donna (the late Richard) Hadley, grandchildren Michael (Robin) Tucker, James David (Shaunna) Barnes, Karen (Dustin) Stonecypher, and great-grandchildren Savannah (Josney) Labarrere, Samuel (Hope) Tucker, Marissa, Amelia, James Leonidas, and Elwood James.

Services will be held at Liberty Heights Church, 7904 Princeton Road, Liberty Township, OH 45044.

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Memorial Visitation: 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow.

Memorial Donations may be made to Liberty Heights Church.