Obituary of Joseph Barnes

Joseph Barnes Sr., 74, of Niles, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 8, 2020. Joe was born on April 4, 1945, in Shaw, Mississippi to the late Clarence and Wyona (Thompson) Barnes. He grew up alongside his 11 siblings. At the age of 15 he moved to Covert Michigan, with his mother and siblings. In his early 30’s he became a Marshall in the Masons. On October 6, 1978, Joseph married the love of his life, Sheryl Vanessa Dixon, at a ceremony in Niles, Michigan. They settled down and raised their family of four, which grew to include twelve grandchildren. His wife’s late Aunt Candy often said, “He’s a good provider”. Joe loved to make money, spend it and eat. He had a long career as a welder fabricator, mechanic and auto-body repairman. In his spare time, he was all about BBQ. This would lead to him opening Smokin’ Joe’s where he was considered the "King of Ribs". Joe fed thousands of people and left an imprint on the lives he encountered on a daily basis. As a result of two car accidents Joe had to retire in 2009. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Clarence (Audrey), who passed on the same day, as well as Willie and Robert Barnes; sisters Virgie Barnes, Elnora (Leroy) Foster, Annie (John) Davis and Pearlie (Charles) Gray. Joseph is survived by his wife, Sheryl Barnes of Niles; children, Seminar Dixon-Thompson (Courtney) of Niles, Stacy Dixon of Niles, Joseph Barnes II of Niles, and Shani (Dennis) Kirtdoll of Niles; He was the devoted grandfather to grandchildren Leo, Mechayla, Todd, Stacy, Jermond, Tevin, Endyia, Legend, Adriana, Lynix, Xavion, and Destyn; goddaughters Shontielle Marsh Pagel (Tobias) and Jennifer White. He will also be missed by his brothers, Charles and J.B. (Antoinette) Barnes, sisters, Maggie (Jose) Lee, and Ruby Tinsley; and a host of close friends and relatives. Services to honor Joseph’s life will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the Niles Philadelphia Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 1:00 p.m. A time of visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., also at the church. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.