Dr. Barbara Kininessi Barnes was born to Frank and Abbie Kininessi in Mobile Alabama on July 26, 1948, the fifth of eight children. The Kininessis were a close-knit Church going and church serving family. Barbara’s parents strove to give each of their children a Christian education. Consequently, Barbara attended pre-school, elementary and middle school at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church School in Mobile and attended boarding school at Alabama Lutheran Academy in grades 9 and 10. During her early school years, Barbara showed herself to be academically precocious and musically gifted. After graduating from Williamson High School in Mobile, Barbara made rapid progress up the academic ladder, having earned five academic degrees and culminating with the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by age 35, all while raising her family and working full-time. It was not Barbara’s academic achievements alone that accounts for her remarkable impact on her former students and co-workers. The greatest part of that impact was due to her genuine love of students and young people in general. As a high school and college English and Reading teacher, she demanded the best from her students and they delivered for her. Many of her former students have graduated from college and are now successful doctors, college professors, engineers, pharmacists, nurses, public officials and otherwise productive citizens. Some of her former students have come back to tell her that the life lessons she taught them contributed much to their success in life. She was so proud of her students that she created the “You Done Good” Award for her former students and mentees.
During her recent 70th birthday celebration, Barbara’s husband of 49 years, Malcolm, described her as an “extraordinary woman of faith.” Her faith in God manifested itself over and over again throughout her life through Bible study, worship through music, prayer and countless acts of charity toward family, friends, and even strangers. One of her favorite charities was Save the Children to which she “donated her birthday” on July 26, 2018. That fundraising campaign is still ongoing. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” was her mantra. During her birthday celebration just 15 days ago, Malcolm declared that Barbara was a “Proverbs 31” woman who consistently exhibited the ten Proverb 31 qualities which include Homemaking (a great cook), Industry, Beauty, Faith and Charity. Barbara departed this earthly life on August 8, 2018. Nevertheless, according to Proverbs 31:31 she is due “honor for all her hands have done” and everything she has done will continue to bring praise to her at the city gate. For example, promoting the upbuilding of the kingdom of God and making life better for neglected children, hurting adults and the elderly. Still, her sons stand up and call her blessed. Her husband also rises up and praises her. He says, “Many women do excellent things. But you are better than all the others.” Proverbs 31:28-31 Therefore, young women who aspire to leadership roles in their careers and who knew Barbara will do well to emulate her bold confidence and “righteous swag.”
Barbara, the extraordinary woman of faith that she is, leaves to cherish her life, recall her abundant good works, and remember her welcoming smile: her darling granddaughter Lauren Elaine Barnes who affectionately called her “Granny”, her adoring and devoted husband of 49 years, Malcolm; sons, Martin (Carissa, Iyla), Marcus (Lindsay), Travis (Yolanda) Payton; sisters Wanda (Gene) Johnson and Monica Kininessi, Petral Stephens, Camillia Jones, Cynthia Carter; devoted aunt Floretta Burrell; goddaughter Tarrah Gordon, Jade Elizabeth Walker; sisters-in-law Doris (John) Brinker, Sondra Reno; brothers-in-law John Bolden (Renee), Alvin Bolden, Calvin Bolden, Ira (Pearl) Barnes, Carl Reno, Connie Reno, John Reno, Frederick Reno; cousins Ann (Jesse)Williams, Linda Burrell, Kimberly Burrell, Justin Burrell, Vincent (Marcy) Burrell, Cornelius Burrell, Dexter Burrell, Roland Burrell, Broderick Burrell, Theron Butler; nephews Wyndell Johnson, John Bolden III, Evan Bolden; nieces Tausha (Paul)Harland, Tanika(Kinney) Donnell, Chara Lindsey; Bethel Missionary Church Pastor R B Holmes, First Lady Gloria, and congregational friends; enduring friends Pastor Ulmer (Gwen) Marshall, Osiefield Anderson, Freddie Groomes-McLendon, Zellene Smith, Linda Morable, Cecil (Huette) Higgs, Dianne (John) Spencer, Seward (Denise)Hamilton, GT Brown, Ed (Pamela) Scott; new friends Henry (Opal) Johnson, Deborah Jackson; good neighbors Joe (Caroline) Gruen, Tim (Jennifer) Howard; sisters in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; children and youth whom she loved Justin, Trinity, Taylor, Kendall, Tyzire, Tleah; many former students and mentees, and a great host of friends and family. Barbara also leaves a treasure of recorded vocal and piano music that will uplift the spirits of family and friends for years to come.
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen Romans 16:27

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