Smiley L. Barns

Obituary For Smiley L. Barns

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Smiley Lavelle Barns. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 12 noon at Christ the Lord Church of Atlanta 3760 Glenwood Road Decatur, Ga 30032. Viewing starts at 10:00am prior to the service at Christ the Lord Church of Atlanta.

Smiley Lavelle Barnes was born on August 30, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, to the union of Wilbur Barnes and Ruthie Mae Atkins. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Trail Lake, Mississippi, where Smiley was raised and spent the greater part of his life. He graduated from Simmons High School in Hollandale, MS.

In 2014, Smiley confessed his life to Christ and became a member of Christ The Lord Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Smiley was employed as a line worker at Interior Automotives in Brighton, Michigan, where he assembled car doors. He retired from the company after many years of dedicated service.

In his free time, Smiley enjoyed cooking—especially barbecuing, baking pies and cakes, watching wrestling, and attending church. His warm spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

On June 5, 2025, Smiley peacefully departed this life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Barnes and Ruthie Mae Atkins (Winters); eight brothers: Ulish "Buddy" King, Ellis "Gene" Barnes, Charles Earl Barnes, Roy Frank Winters, Riley Lee Winters, Earl Edward "Bay Bay" Larkins, Willie Lee Winters, and John Barnes; one sister, Eddie Bea "Babysister" Winters; a great-nephew, Tyrone "TJ" Winters; and one sister-in-law, Maple Barnes.

Smiley leaves to cherish his memory: Wife Mrs. Elizabeth Barnes
Eight children –
Four sons: Jose Cosey and Orlonzo Cosey, both of Las Vegas, Nevada; Deandra Barnes of Anniston, Alabama; and Jamarius Overton of Grayson, Georgia.
Four daughters: Chynell Barnes and Lashonda Marve Austin, both of Las Vegas, Nevada; Shavone Overton of Stone Mountain, Georgia; and Tiffany Overton (Lonell) of Conyers, Georgia.

One brother – Rodney (Sonya) Winters of Memphis, Tennessee.

Twelve grandchildren – Kiara Cosey, Trevon Windom, Jazzmine Cosey, Kaden McInstry, Vashaun Barnes, Deandra Barnes Jr., LeaVell Cosey, Jacarri Cosey, Jaylyn Cosey, Camryn Marve, Ah'mee Austin, and A'Zir Austin.

Three great-grandsons – Kadarian Cosey, Brian Cannady, and Treyson Rae'mon Windom.

He is also survived by a special cousin, Rosa Harris, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends—including Felecia Wilson—whom he held dearly in his heart.

Smiley's presence, love, and laughter will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched

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