Erma Lee Barnett, 79, of Omega passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A funeral service will be held for Ms. Barnett at Union Grove Church of God on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Todd Garner officiating. A visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. until the hour of the service where Ms. Barnett's family will receive friends and guests. Ms. Barnett will be laid to rest at Union Grove Church of God Cemetery following the service.
Ms. Barnett's grandchildren; Wes Yancey, Dannie Yancey, Donnie Yancey, D.J. Yancey, Jaxson Yancey, and Miles Yancey, will serve as pallbearers.
Gabe King will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Ms. Barnett was born on May 22, 1947, in Lakeland, Florida, to the late Robert Lee Manning and Bessie Pate Kennedy Manning. In addition to her parents, Ms. Barnett is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Lee Barnett, two sons; John Wendell Hilty, and Carl Hilty Jr., one daughter; Johnette Boone, four brothers; Arthur Manning, Joe Manning, Charlie "C.L." Manning, and Lamar Manning, and one sister; Kay Spradlin.
Those who knew and loved Ms. Barnett noted her devotion to the lord, as she was a dedicated member of Union Grove Church of God, often teaching numerous Sunday School classes. Ms. Barnett loved children. Alongside Mr. Jimmie, Ms. Barnett was a strong-willed and loving foster parent. Together they began fostering children in 1993, and in their almost 26-year tenure as foster parents, it's estimated they have homed, cared for, and loved upwards of 100 children.
Left to cherish Ms. Barnett's memory is her son; Kevin Lee Barnett of Valdosta, her two daughters and one son-in-law; Rebecca "Becky" Seymour (Chad) of Omega, and Rosie Barnett of Warner Robins; 11 grandchildren, and 14 great- grandchildren.
The family will accept flowers and memorial gifts in honor of Ms. Barnett.