Beatrice Joyce Barnes

Beatrice Joy Barnes, lovingly known as "Joy," passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 86.

Joy was born on February 2, 1940, in Palestine, Texas, to Robert Ellis and Thelma Irene Wilbanks. She was raised in Palestine, where she developed a deep love for family, faith, music, and creativity that remained throughout her life. On May 25, 2002, she married the love of her life, Wendell King Barnes, in North Richland Hills, Texas. Together they shared a devoted marriage centered on faith, service, and love.

Joy had a remarkable creative spirit. She was an avid flower gardener and at one time lovingly cared for more than 100 plumeria plants. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, painting, and poetry. Music was always close to her heart-she had a beautiful voice and spent many years singing in her church choir. She also loved studying and sharing the scriptures.

Faith and service were central to Joy's life. She and her husband served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Nauvoo Illinois Temple. Throughout her life she faithfully served in many church callings, including Primary President, counselor in the Relief Society presidency, homemaking leader, activities committee leader, and teacher in various church organizations. She especially loved organizing ward functions and bringing people together.

Joy spent many years working in the dental industry. Her career included roles as a dental assistant, owning a dental supply company, and serving as a dental office manager. She was known for her dedication, strong work ethic, and warm personality.

Joy is survived by her beloved husband, Wendell King Barnes; her daughter, Susan Vasselli and husband, John; daughter, Tania Merrifield; and son Wendell Barnes and wife, Jennifer. She was preceded in death by her son, Phillip Steven Byarley.

She was a proud grandmother to Robert Renfro, Kristyn Roberts, Atalie Rivera, Thomas Melvin, Katy Wilson, Nicole Winter, Taylor Ramputi, Joseph Bartok, Christian Barnes, Abigail Barnes, Emma Allred and Eliza Barnes. She was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Joy was preceded in death by five of her siblings: Ruby Lee Hobbs, Charles Ellis Wilbanks, Violet Draper Riggs, Oscar Paul Wilbanks, and Annie Laura Simpson. Her only living sibling is James Rudolph Wilbanks.

Visitation, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 14, 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 1617 Shiloh Road, Tyer, Texas 75703.

Funeral Service, 1:30 PM, following the visitation Saturday, March 14th at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints with Bishop Michael Galbraith officiating.

Graveside Service and dedication, 2:30 PM, Saturday, March 14th, Rose Lawn Cemetery, 2003 Blue Mountain Boulevard, Tyler, Texas 75703.

Pallbearers will be Robert Renfro, Wendell Barnes, Isaiah Rivera, Doug Johnston, Warren Wilbanks, Joseph Bartok and Mike Galbraith. The honorary pallbearer will be her brother, James Wilbanks.

Joy will be remembered for her deep faith, kind heart, creative talents, and unwavering love for her family. Her life was a beautiful example of service, devotion, and joy. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.