Emalie Elizabeth Meredith Barnes, age 72 of Suwanee, Georgia, died March 3, 2022, at her home due to effects of heart disease and diabetes. Emalie was born September 13, 1949, in Sherman, the daughter of William Sanford and Elizabeth Sue Phillips Meredith. She attended Wakefield Elementary, Piner Junior High School, and graduated from Sherman High School in 1967. She met and started dating Jeffery Barnes during her senior year and their blessed union lasted until her passing. She was accepted into the first class of Grayson College School of Nursing in 1967 and earned her Associate’s degree two years later. She married the love of her life, Jeffery Barnes, on August 23, 1969, at First Presbyterian Church in Sherman (now known as Covenant Presbyterian Church). Upon passing her state board exams and receiving her Registered Nurse’s license in late 1969, she began her career at Wilson N. Jones Hospital, working there for seven years until beginning a 33-year career with Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare division as a medical reviewer. She and Jeffery, who both had retired, moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in April 2012 to join their son’s family. Over the next 10 years she was able to watch her beloved granddaughter, Nicole, grow up and accomplish several sport and academic endeavors.
Emalie fought the daily battle of adult-onset Type 2 diabetes for over 40 years. In January 2019, she had open heart surgery that was very high risk but was successful. However, over the next three years until her death she constantly battled numerous health issues but was always given daily loving care by her husband and son.
Emalie is survived by her husband of over 52 years, Jeffery of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Dency Barnes of Suwanee, GA; her beloved granddaughter, Nicole Barnes, of Atlanta, GA, as well as numerous nieces, cousins, and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved kitten, Mimosa, one of many cats and house pets she cherished over the years.
A funeral service to celebrate Emalie’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 18, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be Rev. Lisa Juica Perkins of the church and Rev. Steven Barnes of Johns Creek Presbyterian Church in Johns Creek, GA. A reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall.
The family requests that memorial donations be given to the American Diabetes Association to fight the disease that took such a toll on Emalie’s health.
