Waddell (Billie) Denny Barnes

Waddell "Billie" Barnes at the age of 83, returned to her heavenly home on February 9, 2018. Her devotion to her family and her belief in God helped carry her through her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life.

Waddell was born to the late George Denny and Cleavon Davis, a WWll
veteran and a homemaker, in Birmingham Alabama on January 7, 1935. Mr. Denny passed away in the service and Waddell's mother remarried,
prompting a move to Ohio. Waddell chose to stay in Birmingham Alabama with her grandmother and continued her education at Ullman High School.

A bright student, Waddell immersed herself in her studies and with a love for music and a talent for playing the piano, joined the high school band. One of her favorite pieces to play was "Fur Elise", one of Beethoven's most popular compositions. Waddell also found time to become a Debutante and went on to graduate high school in 1953. At the age of 18, she moved to Chicago with her aunt, packing her bags with bigger dreams and aspirations.

Enrolled at Chicago Community College, she caught the eye Milton Barnes. They got married November 25, 1958. Together they had a baby girl they named Lydia Vanessa Barnes. Waddell worked for the Chicago Public School system as a teacher's aide helping handicapped children. She retired in June of 1993. Waddell had more time to spend with family and do what she loved most, cook.

Waddell's love for cooking went hand in hand with family, bringing everyone together with the power of her recipes. When her daughter moved to Los
Angeles in 1999 and then gave birth to her one and only grandchild Richard Anton Smith on December 14, 2001, she packed her bags once more and moved to Los Angeles in 2002. Family is everything and Waddell made that very clear. She remained in Los Angeles for 16 years.

She leaves to mourn: Daughter Lydia Vanessa Barnes-Smith (Geoffrey
Anton Smith), grandson Richard Anton Smith, brothers Rev Walter Cole and Robert Cole, Sisters Gwendolyn Fornore, and Pamela Cole, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and friends. Waddell lost her sister, Jeanette Lawrence in 2000. We know she was there to hold her hand and help guide her through Gods gates to heaven.

Those we love can never be more than a thought away. For as long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay.