JoAnn Barnhill

JoAnn Barnhill, affectionately known to her family as Nanny, met her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 25, 2014. A strong, independent, loving mother and grandmother, JoAnn hosted every family gathering at her home up until her very last Christmas in 2013. A lifelong resident of the Robeline area, JoAnn was raised by her parents Walter and Iva, along with her ten siblings. After attending Robeline High School, JoAnn met the love of her life Jerry Barnhill and they were married in June of 1953. Throughout their 38 years of marriage, Jerry and JoAnn had three wonderful children, enjoyed traveling with friends, and attending Shriners events. One of their favorite places was their camp on Toledo Bend where they spent weekends on the water fishing surrounded by friends and family. JoAnn and Jerry also owned and operated Barnhill’s Grocery in Marthaville. After Jerry passed away in 1991, JoAnn continued to run the store independently for over 20 years. She loved her customers and the community of Marthaville and always counted their support as a true blessing. Once retired, she spent her free time cooking her grandchildren’s favorite foods including her famous dumplings, biscuits, and crackling cornbread; hosting family get togethers; bargain hunting in the sale papers; and making sure her family had all the love and support they needed. In the last month of her life, JoAnn was able to attend a get together hosted by her niece Danielle Bernard, where she got to share the company of her sisters, daughters and nieces. While her death is a tremendous lost for all that knew her, JoAnn would want everyone to hold tight to the memories they shared with her and remember what a full, beautiful life she enjoyed over her 76 years. JoAnn’s lively spirit lives on through her three cherished children: Karen Allen, Brenda Horn, Jayson Barnhill; her six grandchildren and two great grandchildren Lanie Allen, Rodney Allen, Derrick Horn, Britney Horn, Jessica Barnhill, Jacob Barnhill, Taylor Allen and Slayden Horn; her three beloved sisters Billie Sue Settle, Shirley French, and Linda Bernard; her four brothers Terry Byles, Jimmy Byles, Glenn Byles, and Ronnie Byles; her treasured nieces Katie Palmer and Danielle Bernard, and her dear friends Barbra Ann Floyd and Dot Fullerton. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Iva Byles, her husband Jerry Barnhill, her brothers Reed Byles, Charles Byles and Bob Byles. Funeral services for JoAnn Barnhill will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA with Rev. Ricky Robertson and Rev. Ray Dyess officiating. Interment will follow at Marthaville Cemetery in Marthaville, LA. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on January 28, 2014 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. Should friends desire, donations may be made to two of JoAnn’s favorite charities, St. Jude Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.