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Obituary For Alvilda E. Barnes
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.
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Roderick & Tara Jones sent Beautiful Dreams for Alvilda E. Barnes - July 27, 2026
Cheli English sent Red and White Handled Basket for Alvilda E. Barnes - July 27, 2026
So sorry to hear about Cousin Alvilda's passing. She was one of a kind. Prayers ascending...
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To the family Mrs. Barnes was a true gem. The beautiful smile will we will always remember. Best gym teacher and we will forever be her Barr Street Golden Tiger Barretts. Rest now and much love. Gussenia Haggins
Praying for the Barnes family,Mrs.Barnes was a very special person ,she was one of Barr Street High favorite β€οΈ she was always the same Mrs.Barnes with that beautiful smile RIPππ½ππ½ποΈποΈ
Mrs.Barnes as we all knew called her, but out of ear range some of us would call her Al. She was the best. Lot of fond memories to this day? She had a positive impact on our young lives. I for one will be eternally grateful that she was apart of my development as a child. Rest in glorious peace(aka) Al.I pray that God has welcomed you home. Aurelia, one of the Barrettes.ππ½β₯οΈππ½
Such a dear lady, always a smile, in the gym, in the hallways, in the cafeteria. She was a devoted faculty member to the students and staff at Barr Street High School. The memories will linger long in our hearts.
Condolence to the family it was a joy to take care of Mrs Barnes . She will truly be missed at Lancaster Grove.
Precious memories of Mrs. Barnes at Barr Street High School (PE teacher, Barrettes), the eight Cousins Reunions, and church member at Mt. Zion AME Zion Church. We Love You Family.
My sincere condolences to Tommy and the Barnes Family. I fondly remember Mrs. Barnes from my S. C. State College days when Thelathia and I were college roommates! She was such a sweetheart! May she Rest In Eternal Peace ππ½
Prayers love and hugs to the families.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
