Lorraina G. Barnes Obituary (1959 - 2024)

Lorraina G. Barnes, affectionately known as "Rainy," departed this life on March 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and courage. Born on October 9, 1959, in Three Rivers, Michigan, Lorraina brought light and warmth into the lives of those around her. A lifelong resident of St. Joe County, she cultivated strong bonds within her community, becoming a charismatic beacon of joy and compassion. As Mark Twain once said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." For Lorraina, her "why" was clear: nurturing and cherishing her relationships with family and friends. Lorraina was a beloved wife, daughter, and friend. She was a partner in life to her husband, Jerry Barnes, whom she married on May 17, 2008 at Rawson's Kings Mill Park on Leonadis, Michigan, and they spent 16 wonderful years in Green Charter Township, Michigan. Her mother, Phyllis Varner, survives her, continuing her legacy of love. Lorraina was preceded in death by her father, Rudy Kelley, whose memory she held dear. Her marriage to Jerry and the bond with her parents were cornerstones of her life, reflecting her loving nature and commitment to her family. Retiring from Wal-Mart in 2011, Lorraina was a courageous woman who embraced the joy of life, even in retirement. She loved football and morel hunting, and she was an avid fisher. Always one for adventure, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family, making each moment count. Her funny and engaging spirit was infectious, making every gathering a memorable event. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a bit better…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." By these measures, Lorraina's life was a resounding success. Please join us in celebrating Lorraina's life by sharing memories and uploading photos to her memorial page at www.MichiganCremation.com. Each memory serves as a testament to her compassionate spirit and the love she shared with us all. Let us remember Lorraina, not just for the loss we feel, but for the laughter, love, and warm memories she left us with. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.