Elaine Huggins Barnwell
January 7, 1925 ~ April 16, 2012
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Elaine Huggins Barnwell, 87, died Monday April 16, 2012 at Mission Hospital from complications related to pneumonia. She was born in Boone, NC on January 7, 1925 to Francis Marion and Grace Graves Huggins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Clarence Barnwell, and two brothers, Frank Huggins and Charles Huggins. Elaine and Clarence were long time residents of Asheville.
She is survived by daughter Denise Hembree of Charlotte, son Larry (Debi) Barnwell of Bozeman, MT, and daughter Martia Barnwell of Asheville; grandchildren Matt (Kelly), Jennifer (JT), Jake (Amy), Tyler (Chelsy), Shane (Katherine) and Nick (Katelyn); and eleven great-grandchildren. Elaine is also survived by a sister, Anne Pressley, a brother, David Huggins (Peggy), two sisters-in-law, Margaret Barnwell and Kathy Barnwell, and one brother-in-law, Andy Barnwell (Barbara).
Elaine graduated from Fletcher High School and attended Blanton's Business College. During WWII she worked in a secretarial pool for the US Government in Washington, DC as a part of the war effort. Upon returning from Washington, she held various secretarial positions in Florida and Western North Carolina. She retired from Irvin-Fuller Theatres after 25 years of employment as an Executive Secretary.
Elaine enjoyed gardening, music, sewing, and leather work. One of her greatest joys in life was cooking for others. Never hesitant to embrace new things, she took pleasure in learning to use the computer, especially social networking. Her strong faith, sense of humor, and love for life had a positive influence on all who knew her.
The family would like to express appreciation to the staffs of Arbor Terrace, GreenTree Ridge, and Mission Hospital for the excellent care they provided.
A memorial service will be held at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road Saturday, April 21 at 2:00. The family will receive visitors immediately following the service at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at the Western North Carolina Veterans Cemetery. Donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the charity of your choice.
I am blessed to say that Nanny was my grandmother. She was an amazing mother, sister, wife, grandmother, aunt, great grandmother, and friend. Ant\yone who knew her was blessed. I love you Nanny! I’m so glad you can be reunited with your true love in heaven….I’ll see you when its my time<3
Dear Denise and Family,
I know that Bob and your Iona travel buddies, your Pfeiffer classmates all join me in extending your our deep sympathies in the death of your mom. She was a precious woman who lived a full life. I was honored to know her. Be assured of our prayers on your behalf.
Blessings,
Patty
Dearest Denise, Jen, and family,
Please know that we are praying for you and loving you. You are special women, as it sounds like your Mom and Nanny! Lovely heritage. May God bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.
In Christ’s love, John and KC Warner,
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all. We celebrate her life with you and were so privileged to call her friend. Jack and Laurel Jones
I am so sorry for you loss. Praying for your hole family.
I am so sorry for you loss. Praying for your hole family.
Anyone who is blessed with a good mother, a woman one can admire and look up to throughout one’s life, is truly blessed, for this is the very foundation on which everything in life that is good is based. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great loss in your lives, but I know the strength of your mother’s love will help carry you through the days ahead when she is absent from you physically but always with you spiritually.
Sorry for your loss. Take care. Love Anthony & Lara
Denise,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you all.
Denise, I send my condolences to you and your family.. May her memory always be eternal. Hugs and hope to see you soon..
Sorry to hear about your loss. We are friends of Peggy and Dave in Reidsville. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Van & Myra Moore
So sorry for your loss, Denise. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless and comfort you all.
Denise, Larry, and Martia:
Sorry to hear the passing of your mother, Elaine. Both Elaine and Clarence will always be remember as our dearest neighbors who we so respectively called the ‘Honeys’! As the little boy that lived next door, I will always remember the comfort of seeing and knowing our extended family was typically on the proch , always there with a smile and words of encouragement. Both of your folks’ made a real positive influence on me and our families life! God speed to you and the entire Barnell family!
Sincerely,
Nathan & Tracy Ingram
I will always remember Clarence and Elaine as our wonderful neighbors when I lived in Kenelworth in Asheville. Many many times they were there as good neighbors and I will always be greatful for their friendship. They were wonderful people.
Please accept our deep condolences. Mrs. Barnwell will be missed by all who knew her kind smile and friendly manner. I am pleased to have grown up with such a wonderful and caring neighbor. My family will miss her friendship.
To the Barnwell family,
I had the pleasure of working on the same floor of the Northwestern Bank Building with your Mom for many years. We became close friends and I always referred to her as ‘Momma Barnwell.’ We spent many times on that porch in Kenilworth playing music with your Dad. Elaine was one of the most wonderful women I have ever met and made a great impression on my life. She was always a true friend and gave me some advise that I followed all my life. I moved away and we lost contact, but she has always held a special spot in my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. I know she will be greatly missed.
Dear Children,
I am so sorry about the loss you all are going thru. You guys had a wonderful mom. Her and I become close at Arbor. She is truly missed at our home. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.