NICEVILLE, FL - With a devoted son, his wife, and loving granddaughter at her bedside, Elveta NeSmith Barnes peacefully left this earth on January 5, 2009 to be with the Lord she loved so fervently and served so faithfully as a born again and joyous Christian. 2 Timothy4:7, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith." Godspeed as you continue to praise Him Mom. Throughout her almost 85 years, she truly lived her life for others: parents, husband, siblings, children, grandchildren and friends. To all who knew and were touched by her love, she will be remembered as an incredible wife, mother and friend. She loved to cook, work in her garden and follow the football fortunes of the Georgia Bulldogs. She loved life, serving others and family times dearly. She was preceded in death by: her Husband of 38 years, John L Barnes of Abbeville, AL; Sisters Ida NeSmith, Myrtle Tagert and Ramona McCallister and Brother Walton NeSmith. Carrying on her legacy are: Bruce Barnes of Ft Walton Beach, FL and Barry Barnes and his wife Liz of Shalimar, Florida, along with her grandchildren: John and wife Dana Barnes and granddaughters Allie and Emily of Knoxville, TN; Mindy Barnes and granddaughter Hailey of Shalimar, FL; Brett Barnes of Statesboro, GA; Robert Barnes of Auburn, AL and their mother Gail Merliss, the former Mrs. Barry Barnes. Nieces and Nephews she so dearly loved are: Judy Deal, Martin NeSmith, Sonya Tucker, Jim and Bob Tagert and their families. Elveta was born January 20, 1924 and raised in Bulloch County before moving to Savannah, Ga where she attended secretarial school, worked and was a member of the Whitfield United Methodist Church. She moved to Atlanta, Ga. In 1963, staying active with work and attending Rehoboth Baptist Church where she was baptized. Returning home to Statesboro in 1980, she worked at the High Hope Center for disabled adults and continued her community service at the Nevils United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00am at the Nevils United Methodist Church. The body will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com . Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home. Savannah Morning News January 7, 2009.