Carol Layne Abernathy Barnes

Carol Layne Abernathy Barnes, 71, of Dinwiddie County, departed to eternal peace on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Chippenham Medical Center with her family by her side. She was the daughter of the late James Rideout Abernathy and Annie Hall Abernathy Barnes; and was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Dwayne Hall Abernathy. She was a devoted wife, mother, nanna, sister, aunt and friend who left an impact on all who knew her. She was small in stature, but full of spunk, wit and determination. She battled many illnesses her entire life, but fought with valor to overcome each one. Carol loved nature and being outside in her yard and growing roses and orchids. She was an avid bird watcher and loved to cook and shared her gifts from the kitchen and garden with many in the Old Hickory community. She loved to travel and meet new people and was happiest just spending time with her family and friends. She always put others’ needs above her own and was truly the hands and feet of Jesus to many, many people during her time on earth. She graduated from Dinwiddie County High School in 1962, and Johnston Willis School of Nursing in 1965. She worked as a nurse for 41 years before retiring from the Virginia Department of Health in December of 2006. Nursing was her passion and she took care of many in her community as well as in her job. She was often the first person people called for help in lieu of going to the doctor or hospital. She was a life-long member of Concord United Methodist Church and active in the UMW. She loved her church family and serving her Lord. She leaves behind to treasure her memory a devoted husband of 49 years, Francis Walter Barnes; one daughter; Tracy Barnes Nicholson and husband, James Marshall; a son, James “Jim” Broaddus Barnes; one granddaughter, Caroline Paige Nicholson; a brother, James “Donnie” Donnan Abernathy and wife, Marian; two nephews, Joel Abernathy and Chad Hall; numerous cousins and her beloved feline Willow. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home, 6616 Boydton Plank Rd., N. Dinwiddie, VA 23803. A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Concord United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Brian Simmons, officiating. Interment will be private. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to Concord United Methodist Church, C/O Alice B. Spiers, 25713 Courthouse Rd., Stony Creek, VA 23882.