Dr. Stephen H. Barnes
March 28, 1946 - November 17, 2024
Dr. Stephen H. Barnes passed away in the early morning hours of November 17, 2024, at age 78, in Cartersville, Georgia. Steve was whip-smart, well-read, hard-working, and kind. He was a Mason and a lifetime member of the Episcopal church. He closely followed both the Ohio State football team and the stock market, and he could enliven a conversation on any topic. His was a life well-lived, and he will be dearly missed.
Born in Washington, DC, on March 28, 1946, Steve earned a Bachelor of Music from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from The Ohio State University. He worked as a professor and college dean at various schools—from pre-K to graduate school—across the United States and throughout Georgia, teaching instrumental music and band. He served as chair of the music department at the prestigious Savannah Arts Academy. Steve and his wife, Mary, had a private piano lesson studio in their home for many years, where he was affectionately known as “Dr. B.” He was a judge for the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and he provided piano accompaniment for church services, weddings, and parties.
In 1992, Steve met the love of his life, Mary “Dee Dee” Watkins Watts, at a Jane Austen Historical Society party where he was playing piano. They were married at the same location a year later with the bride, groom, and wedding party all wearing Jane Austen-era costumes—a festive event that garnered a story in the Savannah newspaper.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Noble Barnes, and his infant son, Randy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Barnes; sister Louise Hughes and her husband, David; four sons—Tim Barnes, Hayden Barnes, Colin Barnes, and Todd Parker; five daughters—Laura Watts, Elizabeth Watts, Carrie Parker, Jill Stevens, and Samantha Barnes; eight grandchildren—Caleb, Corbin, Denver, Leila, Kaelynn, Aubrey, Ivy, and Hazel; a great-grandchild, Camille, with two more on the way; niece Kate; and numerous cousins, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
Steve will be laid to rest in the Memorial Urn Garden of First Presbyterian Church of Cartersville, where he and Mary are members of the congregation. A memorial service will take place in early 2025.
