Leona Cunningham Barnes

Leona Cunningham Barnes, 93, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 19, 2017 following a decline in health during the past year.

Celebration of Life: 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in Biggers Funeral Chapel.

Burial: Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2017at Biggers Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, 254 Ranch Trail, Rockwall, TX 75032, patriotpaws@aol.com. The mission of Patriot PAWS is to train and provide service dogs of the highest quality to disabled American veterans.

Leona Cunningham Barnes was born on July 24, 1924 in Rowher, Arkansas to J.O. and Ida Mae (Cherry) Cunningham. Leona was truly an “Arkansas Traveler” having lived in over 20 places including three years in Japan. Prior to her marriage in October of 1945, she earned her Associate degree from Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas.  In 1972 she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.  In the intervening time she was a stay-at-home mother and supportive military wife. Following Irvin’s retirement from the Air Force, they settled in Fort Worth where she began working at J.P. Elder Middle School as a long-term substitute. She substitute taught there for over twenty years.

Leona was active in Rosen Heights Baptist Church for over 40 years. She served as Sunday School teacher for many, including 9-10 year olds, youth, and finally as a teacher to some of the senior women. Her ministry to the senior women spanned more than 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 66 years, Irvin Barnes, and her son, Andrew Barnes.

Survivors: Leona is survived by her daughter, Angela Barnes Annis and husband, Harold; by her daughter-in-law, Donna Barnes. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Barney Annis and his wife, Claudine, Jessica Barnes Bellemer and her husband, Andrew, and Travis Barnes.  Leona is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Catherine “Caty” Annis and Alexandra “Alex” Annis.