Javonda Barnes (66) of St. Elmo

Javonda Jane Harner Barnes, 66, of Brownstown IL died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism in Vandalia, IL on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

She was born in Vandalia, IL on Oct. 3, 1957 to Joseph Pershing and Jennie Alice (Logue) Harner. Javonda attended Brownstown High School before earning degrees from the University of Missouri and teaching with the Mehlville School District. She spent countless hours working with students all over the world for World Changers International. Javonda and Gary have served Jesus as missionaries with World Changers since 1988.

Javonda was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Jennie Harner, brother Joseph Harner II, and sister Jarielle Winkleman.

She is survived by her husband Gary, daughters Rachel (David) Peddie and Bethany (Josiah) Barnes-Coloma, son John Kaleb (JK) Barnes, grandchildren Hudson, Brewer and Holiday, brother Jvee (Theresa) Harner, sisters Jenetia (David Hines Ruble), Jorita (Gary) Cook, and JoAlice (Steve) Dobbs, as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Liberty Christian Church in Brownstown, IL. Visitations Friday, November 24 from 4-7pm and Saturday, November 25 from 10-11am followed by a celebration of life at 11am Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to “Javonda’s Legacy Project” focused on slum kids, rescued, and abandoned teens in Southeast Asia at www.continuetogive.com/4910404 or World Changers Intl, PO Box 23 Charleston IL 61920.Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.