Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16
Doris Lewis Barnes was born April 4, 1935, and entered into eternal life September 26, 2026.
She lived her life in Gray Station and was a member of Boones Creek Christian Church.
She was momma to Scotty, Debbie, Tony and Donna.
She was preceded in death by her first-born son Byron Scott “Scotty” Barnes who affectionately nicknamed and called her Luggy.
Those left to honor her memories are her daughter, Deborah Watkins and son-in-law Lee; son, Tony Barnes and daughter in law Stephanie; daughter, Donna Saylor and son-in-law Michael, and daughter-in-law, Mary Lynn Barnes. She was Mamaw to her grandchildren, Elliott Cox and wife Hannah Atlanta, GA; Brad Barnes and wife Ashley Jonesborough, TN, Brittany Huff and husband Ryne Greenville, SC, Byron Barnes, Gray, TN and Maria Barnes, Knoxville, TN; she was also Mamaw to her great grandchildren, Sawyer Barnes, Finley Barnes, Nolan Huff, and Kyleigh Barnes; Lily her beloved cat; special friends Dee Davis and Connie Wilson; special Neighbor Richie Dice.
Momma was a simple woman who loved the outdoors. She loved yardwork her flowers, but she loved gardening and the dirt the most. She loved to harvest and preserve everything possible in a jar or a freezer bag. She loved to break and can beans for herself and always helped her children break and can beans too! She made pickles and jellies, canned sausage and tenderloin.
Momma was known for her amazing gift of cooking. She prided herself cooking for her family and others. Her cooking skills were unmatched and sometimes even competitive at family gatherings. Everyone loved her steak and gravy and fried chicken and her eye round. Her specialty was her homemade yeast rolls and sought after at every family holiday gathering. They were simply divine. The most treasured treat was her homemade stuffed angel food cakes she made for our birthdays every year. Other treats loved by her family were her pickled eggs and deviled eggs. She truly was the best cook. Mamma’s hands were always busy.
Momma was a hard worker and a great provider she worked at ITT North Electric, Texas Instruments and Sperry Univac.
Momma loved her community and one of her favorites was the Appalachian Fair she attended every night for years and you would find her on the top row of the grandstands taking in the concerts and the Golden Knights.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday October 24, 2026, at 1 o’clock at Boones Creek Christian Church with Senior Minister Ben Cole presiding. Music will be provided by Cody Goins and Donna Davis.
The Barnes family extends hearts full of gratitude to the 7th Floor 7500 wing of the JCMC nurses and staff for their care, compassion and comfort and especially to Liam and Rhonda. Thank you to the Doctors and nursing staff in The Emergency Room. Also, to Ballad Hospice and Jesus Barajas in Food Service.
Momma’s favorite part of the Gray Community was the Gray Community Chest and was proud of her son Tony for the work he does and all the others. She loved the annual block party and the kids Christmas party and her most looked forward to event was the Senior Citizen Christmas Party which she also helped host and cook for the first annual Senior Citizen Party held at the Gray Ruritan in 1974. To honor her in lieu of flowers please give the gift that blesses others to the Gray Community Chest P.O. Box 8024 Gray, TN 37615.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
