"Worked with Jean at Social Security and worshipped with her at Vermont St. Methodist Church. Having a friend write this for me as I don't have access to a computer. My thoughts and prayers are with you - Sharon Harton. "
In loving memory of
Karen Jean Barnes
April 9, 1943 - October 10, 2021
Karen "Jean" Barnes, age 78, of Quincy, died Sunday, October 10, 2021, at 12:18 pm in Golden Good Shepherd Home in Golden, IL.
Jean was born April 9, 1943 in Beardstown, IL, a daughter of Charles B. and Eunice L. Baehr Whited. She married John V. "Jack" Barnes, Jr. on November 27, 1969 in Mt. Sterling, IL. He preceded her in death on July 6, 2016.
Jean was a graduate of Gem City Business College, and she had worked at the Social Security Administration from 1963 to 1978 and at Sears from 1989 until her retirement in 2018. Jean also loved working with children, and during the 1980s she served as both a foster mother and as a caretaker in the church nursery, which she continued to do until this year. In her spare time, Jean enjoyed working in her garden, solving puzzles, listening to music, and reading. Most of all, she treasured the time that she spent with her grandchildren.
Jean was a 50 year member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church.
Survivors include four children: Cindy Barnes (Tim) Harris of Chicago, IL; Brian (Cinda) Barnes of Quincy; Melanie Barnes of Springfield, IL; and Justin (Samantha) Barnes of Quincy; seven grandchildren: Olivia Harris of Chicago, IL; Brianna "Bree", Abigail "Abby", Katelin, and Ethan Barnes of Quincy; and Ava and Alexis "Lexi"Barnes of Quincy; a niece, Jennifer Hilfrink Lambert of Bloomington, IL; a nephew, Jason (Haidee) Hilfrink of Oxnard, CA; two great nieces: Jenica (John) Hopkins of Pleasant Plains, IL; and Lucia Hilfrink of Oxnard, CA; two great nephews: Chad (Selena) Myers of Reno, NV; and Kain Lambert of Bloomington, IL; three great great nieces: Chloe Myers and Ameilia and Alivia Hopkins; and two sisters-in-law: Janice Whited of Auburn, IL; and Evanna Hilfrink of Bloomington, IL.
In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Charles R. Whited; a sister, Marian Whited; a niece, Teresa Myers; a brother-in-law, Michael B. Hilfrink; and a sister-in-law, Betty M. Whited.
Services: 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Livesay officiating. Jean's family encourages you to wear a mask if you plan on attending the service.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, IL
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Jean's family encourages you to wear a mask if you plan on attending the visitation.
Memorial donations may be made to Vermont Street United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"You are all in my thoughts at this time. Love and Hugs, Josephine Spoto-Miller"
"Jean was a very good person, always there to help if she could. Loved working with her at Sears. Good coworker. Prayers are with the family during this time..."
"We have known Jean for so many years. We admired her courage in fighting her illness..she was so strong. Our granddaughter loved to see ?Miss Jean? in the church nursery. She loved all her children and grandchildren so very much. Our prayers are with you all and we share your sorrow. Bruce and Shirley Tode"
"I worked with Jean at Sears years ago. She was a Good and faithful person. My thoughts and prayers to the family."
"So sorry for your loss! Jean was a great lady! I worked with her, Justin & Sam at Sears! Praying for you all! ?"