Bessie Barnett Obituary

Bessie "Pauline" Barnett

March 10, 1929 -

March 5, 2026

JONESBOROUGH – Bessie "Pauline" Barnett, 96, after a long battle with dementia, passed away on March 5, 2026, at The Courtyards, Johnson City, TN, her home for the past four years. Pauline was just five days short of her 97th birthday.

Born March 10, 1929, on Buck Mountain, TN, she lived in Jonesborough for more than 60 years. She was the oldest of twelve children born to Andy and Alma Banner Arnett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Donald J. (Dana) Barnett, brother Tivis Arnett, and sisters Frances, Mary Lou Brewer & husband William Brewer, Lillie Mae Ellis & husband Jack Ellis, sisters-in-law Myrna Arnett, and Becky Arnett; and brothers-in-law Bob Cobb, Mitchell "June" Barnett Jr., and Delaney "Bloss" Barnett. She is survived by a large family of siblings– her sisters Grace Cobb, Thelma Mullins (Larry), brothers Ray, Jack (Delores), Jim (Carol), Don, and Charles (Joyce) Arnett, as well as many nieces and nephews who were all close to her.

Mrs. Barnett was a faithful attendee of Eden Methodist Church for over 60 years. She was active in supporting the community as part of the Jonesborough Home Demonstration Club, Eastern Star, and served many years as a judge for the annual district fair. She was a farmer, talented seamstress, and an accomplished quilter. Everyone in the family cherishes their own quilt made especially for them by her.

She is survived by her three children; LTC Audy Barnett, USA Retired and wife Karen of Maineville, OH; Regenia Ellis and husband Michael of Jonesborough; and Carolyn Kerr and husband Bill of Johnson City. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Emily Bosdell and husband Jeremy, and Kelly Stanfield and husband Les, all of Lebanon, OH; Jason Barnett and wife Ashley of Lynchburg, OH; Dr. Joseph Ellis and wife Joanna of Monroe, NC; Stephen Ellis and wife Hannah of Taylors, SC; Garrett Ellis and fiancée Bailey Datz of Chattanooga, TN; and Remy Flores and husband Jonathan of Seattle, WA. She also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses, aids, and workers of The Courtyards Senior Living Facility who made it a true home away from home.

A graveside service will be held at the Eden-Greenwood Cemetery, 1620 Mill Springs Rd., Jonesborough on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Her four grandsons are serving as her pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eden Greenwood Cemetery, Attn. Wayne Dulaney, 190 Dulaney Rd, Jonesborough, TN., 37659; Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Barnett family. (423-610-7171)