Avna Whisenant Barnette

Avna Whisenant Barnette, 86, of Hixson, TN, formerly of Valdese, NC, died Sunday, January 29, 2006 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on March 29, 1919, she was a daughter of the late F. E. Whisenant and Maude Short Whisenant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Millard E. Smith, and second husband, Curtis Lee Barnette. She was a member of United Baptist Church.

Avna is survived by her sons, Michael Curtis Barnette of Valdese, NC; and Jack Taylor of Vale, NC; sisters, Mrs. Juanita Pearson and Greta Garrison, both of Valdese; a special niece, Detra Hall of Morganton; her special nephew, Grant Eugene Pearson and wife, Sandra, of Hixson, TN; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at United Baptist Church with Mr. Richard Berry and Rev. Jim Lee officiating. Burial will follow in High Peak Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. At other times the family will be at the residence of Juanita Pearson, 2901 Powell Drive Ext., Valdese, NC, 28690. Memorial contributions may be made to United Baptist Church, 2638 Messer Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.