Harla Barnes

Harla Becton Barnes, a long-time resident of Grove Hill, was born in Meridian, Mississippi on April 12, 1949, to John H. and Madge T. Becton. She passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at the age of 75.

She lived in Selma, Alabama, until 1964 when her family moved to Grove Hill. She graduated from Clarke County High School in 1966 and went on to receive a degree from Livingston University in 1971. Mrs. Barnes spent 45 years educating young people, and over the course of her career touched thousands of lives at Marengo Academy, Harper Middle School, Jackson Academy, Jackson High School, and Clarke Preparatory School. She primarily taught Advanced 11th and 12th grade English classes and served in various extracurricular leadership positions such as cheer coach, senior sponsor, Student Government Advisor, and many more. She accomplished much in her life, but the title she wore with the most pride was that of "NaNa". She left behind a legacy of love, family, and friendship, and all who knew her were impacted by this legacy.

Mrs. Barnes was a dedicated member of Grove Hill Baptist Church where she was actively involved in the Love Sunday School class and the church choir.

She is preceded in death by her parents and leaves behind many beloved family members including husband, Ray Barnes, children Tony (Julie) Brunson, Robyn Blaylock, Darren (Tracie) Barnes, and Tony (Dawn) Barnes, siblings Jadda Becton and Dana Becton, nine grandchildren Maryle Brunson (Peyton) Lott, Abbye Brunson, Mimi Blaylock, Molli Blaylock, Analeigh Barnes, Dylan Barnes, Cade (Madison) Barnes, John Braxton Barnes, and Emma Barnes, one great grandchild Sadie Lott, and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dylan Barnes, Cade Barnes, Brendan Becton, Taylor Becton, Russell Brunson, Greg Dunagan, David Dunagan, and Michael Dunagan. Honorary pallbearers will be the faculty and staff at Clarke Preparatory School and Jackson High School.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Tompkins Baptist Church with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Randy Boone and Bro. Wesley Hicks officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing. Online condolences may be shared at www.lathanfuneralhome.com