Alvilda E. Barnes, 95, passed Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Mt. Zion AME Zion Church. Viewing will be 1 hour prior to the services.

The Omega Omega service will be 6 pm, Friday, July 31, 2026 at McMullen Funeral Home.

OBITUARY OF MRS. ALVILDA ENGLISH BARNES

Alvilda English Barnes was born on September 2,1930, to the late Prince H. English Jr. and Viola (Bass) English.

Her father, Prince Jr., was an accomplished tailor and taught his daughter many of her sewing skills. Alvilda graduated from Mather Academy, a private African American boarding and day school in Camden, S.C. and matriculated to South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, S.C. where she earned a B.A. degree.

She then went on to earned an M.S. degree from Indiana University in physical education. Alvilda also attended Winthrop College and The University of South Carolina.

Alvilda met Thomas (TT) Barnes and the couple married on May 15, 1954. They settled in Lancaster, S.C. where they raised their two children. Thelathia and Thomas T. Barnes Jr.

She taught physical education in the Lancaster County School District, at Barr Street High School, for some 35 years, until her retirement in 1983. Many Lancaster Citizens were taught by this devoted teacher, or have children who were.

As a member of of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church, she served as director of the church's nursery school. She also founded the Barrettes, the school district's first dance team and handmade the uniforms they wore to perform at football games and parades.

Alvilda was active in her community throughout her life. As a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lancaster Alumnae Chapter, she served several committees - including as Jabberwock chair and chair of the membership intake committee, ushering new members into the sisterhood.

Alvilda went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Her parents, brothers, daughter, son-in-law and beloved husband of 63 years, preceded her in death. She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Thomas Barnes Jr. and Dr. Kimberley Williams-Barnes of Flagstaff, Arizona; five grandchildren; Thomas III (Tiffany) of Titusville, Florida, Travis of Phoenix, Arizona, Kendall (Breonna) of Sacramento, California, Keenan and Kayla of Phoenix, Arizona; and five great grandchildren: Kimberlee, Zoey, Elijah, Zora and Amara. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Leon Hunter, Kathy Bailey, Diedra Wilmore and the staff of Lancaster Grove Senior Living, for the excellent care provided for our mother.