Donna Marie Barnes

Donna Marie Barnes peacefully went to her heavenly home Monday, April 17, 2023 surrounded by the love of family.

Born September 17, 1954 to the late Ernest Boyd and Vesta Marie Galyon, she was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James Allen Galyon and Ronald Lee Galyon; and nephew, Nicholas Gaylon.

She was a lifelong resident of Athens, Tennessee and a 1972 graduate of McMinn County High School. After high school, she invested 30 years at Athens Product (White Westinghouse) and at least 15 more at ABB – formerly Thomas and Betts – where she gained many dear friends.

Donna enjoyed beach and mountain vacations, solving crime and mystery programs on TV, reading, cooking with her nieces, crafting and spending cherished time with family and friends. She was so kind, sensitive and never went anywhere ever that she didn’t bump into an acquaintance. She was well loved by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and remembered as our adored sister, mother, aunt, and friend.

Donna is survived by her son, Brandon Lamar Barnes; siblings, Sherry (Joe) Hixon, Scott (Lynn) Galyon, Heather (Bryan) Lamb; nieces and nephews, BJ Heiskell, Kris (Amanda) Heiskell, Kairee Galyon, Stephany Galyon, Amelia and Olivia Lamb; as well as beloved great nieces and nephews and dear cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tennessee Oncology Group and Hearth Hospice for the compassionate care for their loved one.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Companion Funeral Home Chapel of Athens with Reverend Nolen Phillips officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Donna or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.