Luella Gayles Barnette, daughter of the late George and Luella Bowlin Gayles, was born on September 30, 1924 in Richmond, Virginia. She was the last of the Gayles family from her generation.

She received her early education in the Lunenburg County, Public schools.

At an early age she joined Union RZUA Church in Meredithville, Virginia and became a dedicated Christian believer. She later moved and became a member of the Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church in Blackstone, Virginia. During this tenure she formed a gospel group (Emmanuel Gospel Singers) with her six children, under the leadership of Pastor George Washington, with the group and the church family they traveled from city to city where they were well known for praising the Lord.

Luella enjoyed her family as a homemaker and outside of the home she was a domestic worker and worked as a cook at Mildred Meals Restaurant and as a housekeeper for many years around Kenbridge, Virginia. She was well known for her homemade rolls and her sweet potato pies.  She was loved by everyone, nobody was a stranger and she wasn’t scared to spank any of her children, regardless of age or size. (Smile)

Mom’s favorite song bound for Zion and This little light of mine. My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak but God remains the strength of my heart he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26. She departed this life on May 26, 2016 while in Hospice Care at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Blackstone, Virginia, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Barnette Redd and her husband, George Junior Barnette.

She leaves to mourn her two daughter; Sadie Gayles and Annie Bell (Rev. William), three sons, John R., Arthur J. Barnette all of Kenbridge, Virginia, and Willie Barnette of Chesapeake, Virginia, three daughters-in-law, Carmen Christian Barnette, Gloria Barnette and Rev. Patricia Barnette, a devoted friend, Patricia Coleman; 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Darlene Hardy and Theresa Ramsey, although she loved and cherish all of her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, there was three special grandchildren that was very special to her Jawann, Keyara, and Keyana, she also leaves a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service was held in Luella’s honor on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Lion of Judah.

S.P. Jones & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.