JACKSON, NC – Helen Drake Barnes, 93, passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jackson.

Helen was born on July 2, 1924 in Northampton County, NC to the late Matt Thomas Drake and Ophelia Lassiter Drake. Helen lived life to its fullest and greatly enjoyed traveling and visiting friends, having fun no matter where she was. She had many hobbies such as gardening, reading, and shopping.

Helen was a great example of life. She cherished each day and would often pray “everyday” is a great day. If you asked her to go fishing, she was always ready to go and enjoyed being with her many friends. Helen never met a stranger and would always start up a conversation with anyone she met. She loved Rehoboth United Methodist Church and her church family. A wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Linwood Barnes; her sisters, Mary Ella Deberry, Elizabeth Rogers, Dorothy Frost, and Ruby Braswell; her brothers, John Drake, Billy Drake, Lewis Drake, Joe Drake, and Lloyd “Bunny” Drake; and her son-in-law, Bo Ray.

She is survived by her daughters, Kay Barnes Futrell and husband Bernie of Rich Square, and Gayle Barnes Ray of Jackson; her son, James Thomas “Tommy” Barnes of Jackson; her sisters, Ruth Drake Barrett of Raleigh, Annie Drake Warren of Norfolk, VA, and Deanie Drake Collier of Lasker; her grandchildren, Melissa Mayo, Tina Peterson, Neil Ray, and Scott Futrell; her great-grandchildren, Luke Mayo, Owen Mayo, Lawson Mayo, Emily Peterson, and Morgan Futrell; her special sister-in-law, Ann Drake of Lasker; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Rehoboth United Methodist Church in Jackson. Interment will follow at the Jackson Cemetery. Pastor Randy Crowder will be presiding.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made directly to the Rehoboth United Methodist Church, c/o Steve Edwards, P.O. Box 146, Jackson, NC 27845 or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search then type Helen Barnes.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square is handling the arrangements for the Barnes family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.