Shirley Barnes

Shirley A. Barnes, 72, passed away March 19, 2022.

She was born in Canton, Ohio in 1949, and was an Akron resident for over 50 years. She was the first and only child of James Gordon and Mable Banks. A tragic auto accident took the life of James Gordon while he was on military leave. Fortunately, Mable fell in love with and married Levell Davidson of Akron. Levell raised Shirley as his daughter and the two had a very close bond. Shirley’s childhood was religiously centered and filled with piano lessons, Girl Scouts, and youth choir. Shirley graduated from East High School in 1967 and she married Carson Barnes in 1969. A day after their wedding in Akron, she joined Carson in San Francisco, California. Carson and Shirley lived in San Francisco for 19 years where both of their daughters were born. The family returned to Akron in 1988 so that Shirley could help care for her father Levell when he became ill. Shirley was employed at the University of California and Summa Health System for many years.

Shirley’s daughters and grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Amina Burthey of Maryland and Dakara Barnes of Georgia; Grandsons Grant and Bryceson Burthey of Maryland, husband Carson Barnes of Akron, and a host of other relatives and friends.