Viola (Beasley) Barnes

With sincere compassion and concern, the Horton Family stands hand in hand with the relatives of Mrs. Viola Beasley Barnes as they prepare to celebrate her lasting legacy. Viola transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 while resting at her homestead in Ayer, Massachusetts. 

Viola was born in Edenton, North Carolina on April 5, 1930 to the late John W. and Odessa Sharpe Beasley and has resided in Ayer, Massachusetts for nearly sixty years. 

Viola grew up in Edenton, NC and graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Viola began her lengthy career in teaching in Virginia before moving to Ayer where she taught elementary education in the Ayer School System for over 40 years, retiring in 1989. 

She enjoyed cooking, traveling and shopping. She was a former member of the Ayer School Committee and volunteered at the Ayer Polling stations as well as the Ayer Town Clerk’s office. 

Her husband of 54 years, Augustus M. Barnes, predeceased her on March 7, 2017. She was the sister of the late Charlie Beasley of Edenton, NC, John Beasley of Ayer and Leronia Witherspoon of Elizabeth City, NC. 

She leaves to cherish her memory several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews. She will be especially missed by her dear friends Ed & Penny Kelley, neighbors for over 50 years. 

Services commemorating this priceless gem will be held on Tuesday, March 1,2022 at Vine Oak Cemetery at 11am. Although this Tuesday will be a sad one for Viola’s family having to say “good-bye” to this precious gem, all can find solace knowing she is in that Land where everyday is going to be like Sunday and there is always “Howdy Howdy” and never anymore “good-byes." 

The professionals at Horton’s Funeral Home and Cremations are accommodating each request and personal desire of the Beasley/Barnes and connected families

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