- Date Of Birth: December 31, 1961
- Date Of Death: July 20, 2017
- State: Illinois
Carmellia “Vanessa” “CJ” Barnes Carmellia “Vanessa” “CJ” Barnes, 55 of Centralia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. She was born December 31, 1961 in Centralia, daughter of John Barnes and Shirley (Currie) Barnes.
She is survived by two sons: John A Barnes of Greenville and Banard R Barnes of Springfield, MO; seven grandchildren: Harmony Barnes, Banard Barnes, Jr., Imani Kaufman, Jasmine Kaufman, Zackary Jenson, Elijah Jones, and Daylan Knowles; a brother, George Barnes of Centralia; six sisters: Spring Thomas of Centralia, Moneta Williams and Levi of Centralia, Trudy Bailey and L.A. of Centralia, Rosemary Barnes of Centralia, Lawanda Barnes of Centralia, and Shirlena Barnes of Centralia; host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Steven Barnes, brother-in-law: Charles Thomas, three nephews, five nieces, aunts, and uncles. Vanessa played basketball during her Jr. High and High School years. She was the first female to play basketball on the boy’s team at Lincoln School in 1975. She graduated from Kaskaskia College with an Automotive Degree. Vanessa worked at Rockwell for 10 years and at Graphic Packaging for 17 years. She was a member of the Centralia City School Constr. Local 109. She loved art and drawing, working on cars, houses and lawn mowers. She played the drums and keyboard for Rick’s Chapel in Centralia. She received her Missionary Stroll at Ricks Chapel this year, she was always doing the work of the Lord. Vanessa’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends.
