Josephine "Jo" Slaydon Barnes

Josephine “Jo” Slaydon Barnes, 85, of Ridgeway, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at her home. She was born on October 20, 1939, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Joseph Herman Slaydon and Irene Fair Grogan Slaydon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-three years, Kennon Curtis Barnes; sister, Georgia Clear and her husband, Donald Clear; and brother-in-law, Jerry Carter.

Jo dedicated her life to her loving family, friends, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jo had a heart of gold, she put her life on hold to take care of her parents and her husband for over fifteen years. She somehow found time to teach Girl Scouts for over twelve years, was a Sunday school teacher and worked with the youth for thirteen years at Rich Acres Christian Church. She was a 1958 graduate of Martinsville High School and drove a school bus for Henry County Public School for over thirty-five years.

She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Sirt (Mike); son, Kennon “Ken” Barnes, Jr.; twin sister, Norma Jean Carter; grandchildren, Savanna Gwynn (Daniel) and Garrett Sirt (Emily); great-grandchildren, Delaina Gwynn, Brodie Gwynn, Joella Sirt, and Harper Sirt. She will be greatly missed. Her family loves her to the moon and back.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Roselawn Burial Park with Pastor Creighton Beatty officiating. A visitation will be held Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Chapel.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.