Zelma Lou Barnes

Zelma Lou Barnes, lovingly called “Red”, age 80, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5:26 am at Restore Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, MD. Born Zelma Lou Miller on April 23, 1939 as the 4th child of eight children to Toll Miller, Sr. and Evie J. Miller in Sulligent, Alabama. She attended Carver High School. She devoted herself as a church member to St. John CME Church in Gadsden, Alabama. Zelma was married to SMSgt (ret)Walter C. Drain (1957- 1958) and SGM (ret) Robert L. Barnes (1960- 2002). Yes, she loved her men in uniform and was a devoted wife and mother. As she travelled throughout the world, she remained a committed Christian attending chapels and raising her children to follow God’s word. In 2009 she became a member of Stewart Memorial CME Church in Mobile, Alabama. Zelma enjoyed bowling, bingo and whipping her family and friends in Gin Rummy, Bid Whist or Spades. Additionally, as a military spouse she was an active member of the NCO Wives Club. Zelma was a selfless person … she dedicated her life to taking care of others, from babies to the elderly. When her family and friends needed her, she was there without hesitation or doubt, often denying her own needs, to take care of others. Even with her travels, Zelma stayed connected and available to her family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Toll Miller, Sr. and Evie J. Miller; her brothers, Toll Miller, Jr., William James Miller, Earlie George Miller; her sisters, Lucille M. Golden, and Mae Jane Weeden; and niece, Sicily Denise Simpson. She is survived by her sister, Ornnie B Miller; brother, CMSgt (ret) Jimmy Lee (Lyn) Miller; daughters, TSgt (ret) Gwendolyn Denise Drain, Evie Victoria (SFC (ret) Eric) Holland, and Robbie Jean Barnes; granddaughters, Mića (Eric) Anderson, Viktoria Dortch, Erica Holland, and Elise Holland; great-grandchildren, Axel Anderson and Amelia Dortch-Seaman (in utero); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) to help continue the work in providing Alzheimer’s care and support and accelerating research. https://youtu.be/k0Ym6LdGyCk To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Zelma Lou Barnes please visit our Sympathy Store.