Ocie Jean Caldwell-Barnes Program

Dr. Ocie Jean Caldwell-Barnes was born August 17, 1947, in Palestine, Texas. Dr. Jean accepted both Christ and her mandate for Christian-music ministry at an early age. Church-based relationships were unlimited. Churches of great influence and development included: New Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church, Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Agape Fellowship Christian Center, and Ewing Street Church of the Living God. Dr. Jean’s Christian journey included song writing, Christian counseling, fellowship with her sisters from D’Music, and enjoying daily prayer groups. Professionally, Dr. Jean rose through the ranks at the City of Dallas and retired as a manager after 31 years of service. Dr. Jean’s professional passion was CMC – Creative Music Concepts. Teaching music was Dr. Jean’s passion and forging relationships with her students was her joy. Many of the students from CMC are now leaders in our church community. Dr. Jean was an active mother to two loved sons, Heartbeat One - Willie and Heartbeat two – Charles. But Dr. Barnes was an extra special mom to many: Brenda, Candace, Fran, Jay, Rene, Willy, Wilmetria. Great joy was spent as a spoiling grandmother, and doting GG. Dr. Jean enjoyed travel early in life but her late passions included reading the Word, Bible study, and general readings. Dr. Jean’s guilty pleasures included feeding an insatiable

appetite for Gun Smoke, Wagon Train, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, and Perry Mason. Dr. Barnes Jesus heard God’s voice on July 1, 2023 and answered His call, “I’m ready to go home .” .

D R . O CIE J EAN C ALDWELL -B ARNES July 8, 2023 ~ 11:00 A.M. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church 444 W. Ledbetter Dr. Dallas, TX 75224 ~O RDER OF C ELEBRATION ~ Rev. Michael D. Pryor, Officiant Pastor, New Birth MBC C ELEBRATORY M USIC & V IEWING P ROCESSIONAL /P ARTING V IEW “Let’s Just Praise the Lord” C ALL TO W ORSHIP Pastor Michael Pryor – New Birth Missionary Baptist Church O LD T ESTAMENT ~ H ABAKKUK 3:17-19 Pastor R.L. Washington- New Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church N EW T ESTAMENT ~ II C ORINTHIANS 4:16-18 Pastor Darrell Pryor – New Covenant Baptist Church P RAYER Pastor Everett Pierson – Graceland Community Baptist Church S ELECTION Dr. Jean Caldwell-Barnes Memorial Choir R ESOLUTIONS ~Ewing Street COTLG~ ~Agape Fellowship Christian Center~ ~New Birth Missionary Baptist Church~ PROCLAMATION The Honorable John Wiley Price, Dallas County Commissioner District 3 S ELECTION Dr. Jean Caldwell-Barnes Memorial Choir S PECIAL R EMARKS DeAnna Williams - Faith Anthony McDowell-Fellowship Arthur Chester - Family Fran Harris -Family V IDEO T RIBUTE S ELECTION Dr. Jean Caldwell-Barnes Memorial Choir E ULOGY Pastor Felton Benton-Agape Christian Fellowship Center R ECESSIONAL “Thank You, Lord”

M Y F RIEND M Y T WIN Mom, I am unable to sleep, watching my computer’s cursor blink to a blank page. Yes ma’am, I understand laws of addition and subtraction, 55 minutes of typed words, and 75 minutes of erasure, still equals a blank page. Your grandkids, great-grand, nieces, nephew, and bonus-children completed their writings at warp speed. I decided to push down my OCD and share a print preview of us. Mom , I love you and I am pushing through with a broken heart and whole soul! I thank God for blessing you twice with sons to ensure you are never without your Heartbeats. I believe John 3:16; my spiritual imagination enables me to see both you and Charles finally releasing from your first long-awaited embrace. Best friend , thank you for introducing Heartbeat #2 and me to our God . I enjoyed our shared readings of Henry Blackaby’s, “Experiencing God,” Lee Strobel’s, “The Case for A Creator.” I still hear you laughing after attorney and journalist Strobel attempts to disprove God’s existence and becomes a converted follower of Christ. Mom, thank you for providing a lived example, a blueprint for priority: J -Jesus, O - Others, Y – Yourself. Thank you for teaching me money is merely a vehicle for experiences and a tool to further God’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Please guide my hand, and my heart with your resources; I pray your gifts be multiplied and not buried (Matthew 25:14 – 30). I can never repay you for being the ultimate example of service . Thank you for showing me what sleeping in hospitals resemble, opening your doors to all who needed a mother or a friend, feeding the poor, checking in on those convalescing, praying with and for those in need, placing money in the hands of those without, sharing your musical talent gratis. Thank you for keeping my eyes fixed on God’s Five Heavenly Crowns for Believers , instead of a bank’s average daily balance.

My Queen, my friend, my mother, rest in confidence; each family-related charge given me will be fulfilled. “Every step I take, you take!” Yours forever in Love, Your other Number One Son, Willie V. A mother’s love! Growing up I always remember hearing “your mother can never be replaced” … thankfully that statement was proven to be untrue. My birth mother was one of the most amazing women I knew. She loved me and was the guide for all that I am today until her time on earth ended so abruptly and so young. However, upon getting married I found another mother that was equally amazing in you. Having you in my life meant more to me than I could ever express. To say I love you just doesn’t seem to be enough. You mean the world

to me and having shared these special years with you have influenced me and taught me things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life…just like the love and special bond we share for one another will live on forever. I will love and miss you until the end of time. Rene

To my Feisty Grandmother, I love you more than anything. Nobody in this world loves me like you do. I could never repay you for all that you've done for me and how you made me feel like the most important girl in the world (next to Wendy of course). You made me feel like I could do anything. I just want you to know that you were the VERY BEST grandparent I could ever ask for. I don't even know how I will go on without you. What will I do? I

love you so much. I don't want to say goodbye. I'm going to miss you Grandmother.

#1(lol), Feleseya

In loving memory, a tribute I pay, To my dear grandmother, now on her way. Her presence, once vibrant, forever remains, In cherished memories, where love sustains. She was a beacon of warmth, a guiding light, With wisdom and grace, she shone so bright. Her love wrapped around us, like a comforting embrace, Filling our hearts with solace and grace. Her gentle touch, like petals in the breeze, Her laughter, a melody that put us at ease. Her stories, like rivers, flowed with such grace, Her wisdom, a treasure we'll forever embrace. Though she has journeyed to a distant shore, Her spirit lives on, forevermore. In the whisper of the wind and the morning's first light, Her love continues to guide us, day and night. As we gather here, bound by grief and love, Let us celebrate her life, soaring high above. For she leaves behind a legacy so grand, In the hearts of all, forever to withstand. So let us remember the laughter she shared, The joy in her presence, the love that she cared. Though tears may fall, and sorrow may be deep, Her spirit lives on, in our hearts, to keep. In honor of grandmothers well-lived life, We bid her farewell, her soul now. May her spirit find peace, in the realm unknown, Forever in our hearts, she'll always be shown. Love Jamia

This is a huge loss. You have been my twin and example since I was old enough to understand. Thank you for your life, and love. “To know Him, is to be like Him” I love you forever Grandmother, Christen

A shepherd and guiding light we’ll always need LaD

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GG you’re gone? No. No, not my GG. That’s all I’ve been saying these past days to stop me from thinking about it. That’s all I’ve been saying to myself to try and make it okay, make me okay. GG I know that you were trying to hold on for all the people you know and love. And I also know that sometimes God just has other plans. GG every time I cry I just think “Why MY GG” , but it feels better to know you’re not in pain. I stayed at your house everyday hoping you would get better, but when I stayed up at night and heard you just crying for help, my heart crumbled. My heart crumbled slowly from hearing you telling me and my Aunt Christen that your time is coming all the way to me sitting in your room with Aunt Sharon and hearing you say, “Lord, let me go.” My heart crumbled slowly telling me “Ok the time is coming Wendy” but when the time came all the prepping I had the past weeks flew out the window. Coming out of MY room to pray in a circle for you. After all of the events beforehand, I thought that maybe something just happened and that we would take you to the hospital. We got into the prayer circle and it only took the words “We’re gonna carry on her legacy” to finally burst the heart that had been slowly crumbling trying to hold on. It took those words to feel my heart actually be in tiny little pieces. I wanted to pass out when I heard those words, but I didn’t want to cause a scene during a prayer for you. You were my GG. If you gave me too long to think about it I might just ball out and cry. GG you were my spiritual guidance in life. I was with you every weekend to go to church with you. Walking past your car to see the mask in the car breaks my heart. “Wendy pull it together! It’s just mask in her car.” No, it’s the memories. Every morning before getting out the car to go in church “Do you have a mask?”, “I’m gonna wear this mask because it matches with my outfit”, or “Girl what have I told you about not having a mask?” Seeing your car makes me wanna break down every single time. We were always in that car to go to church, to go get food, and those long Tyler trips. Going to church with you and talking to you about the word Elder Henson preached about helped me to open up with God. You helped me open up with God. Talking to me and going into depth with me about scriptures. Now with you gone ,I can do all that with someone else but it’s not you GG. I’ve been listening to Gospel Music these past days. I remember when I couldn’t stand it because that’s all I would listen to in your car. But in the time being I’ve learned to love it. I’ve been trying to pray but every time l try to pray at night I almost cry. The most the lord could get out of me was “Oh Lord, help me!” I’ve been crying for help. GG do you remember when we used to pray when I was little and we would say “Now you lay me down to sleep? I pray the lord my soul to keep” and we would bless everyone in the family. I remember you didn’t want to say the rest of the prayer because you felt like it was jinxing death.

The night of your passing the cries I let out I’ve never cried like that before. I’ve never broke down and cried out of nowhere during the day , GG I miss you. I wish I could call you to tell you why I’m crying and you could tell me it’ll be okay. I wish I could crawl in the bed with you and watch Hallmark movies until I felt better. I play your voicemails at night when I think of you. I snuggle with your nightgown at night. I even sometimes just stare at your bedroom door thinking “She’s just out at an event she’s not permanently gone” but no, you’re sadly never gonna be physically here with me again. I wanted to let you know that I love you so much and Oh how much I’m gonna miss you…. Wendy

Getting my wings at United Airlines for the woman who believes in and inspires me every step of the way. Thank you for showing me the type of woman I want to emulate in my day to day life. Love you grandmother. ❤️ Briany

Dear Grandmother, I thank you for everything you’ve ever given me. The knowledge your appreciation, and your love is what helped me and made me a better person. Over the years you’ve shown me a light at the end of every dark tunnel. You always pointed out the bright things in every situation I’ve encountered. Without you there were a lot of things that I couldn’t imagine overcoming so therefore I thank you one last time. I love you and I am forever grateful for you. Charles

Grandmother, It’s hard trying to figure out what I want to say at the moment, so I just want to thank you for everything. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for motivating me and pushing me to be a better version of myself. I love you and I will truly miss you. You will forever and always be in my heart. Cashala

With so much love I never expressed, I will miss you more than ever, but I know you will be in my heart forever. August

GG even though our time together was short it was meaningful and full of love. I will miss making fun videos for you and hearing you call me FAKE. I love your forever. Jasmine

I remember talking to my Mom, the late Margean Smith about my desire to join the New Birth Young Adult Choir. The year was 1978. I was 12 years old. I finally got up enough nerve to ask, even though I didn’t meet the age requirement. We approached your car after church to ask, and you said yes. The rest is history. You and my Mom became best friends, you became my “Other Mom” and I became your “Other Son” You gave me my first public opportunity to direct a choir and play an instrument. I would not be who I am today without your musical and spiritual guidance. It has been 45 years and I still love you. I will miss our conversations, your voicemails and our text message exchanges. Though I miss you dearly, I am happy to know that you are now with the Lord. Love you forever, your other son, Willy Laughter brought us together as friends and over these 40+ years has strengthened us together as sisters. Visiting places and friends and family, you always brought a smile to people. You shared joy and your love for life with all of us who came in contact with you. And, all my time around you Dr. Jean Caldwell-Barnes was an OPPORTUNITY to learn. You always told me that your own life experiences made you a better teacher. God truly poured in to you a gift of teaching and I am the richer for it. We all felt how important music was to you (even those of us who couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket) and you used your music to bring us together and to learn from one another and to build and to grow. I’m gonna miss you, your laughter, your jokes and your teaching. On July 1, 2023, I heard myself ask you (like I often did over the last few months) “what should I do next?” I know now that God would want me to keep learning from you by living my life devoted to God and family, serving others like you did all the time I’ve known you at churches, schools, the nursing homes, with Meals on Wheels and praying and studying His Word. Thank you too for spending time with my babies and sharing your wisdom every chance you could. I know you are in Heaven now making a joyful noise . . . We love you and we will always praise God for you. Virgie, Jay, Mimi & J

“Aunt Jean, may I have some birthday cake?”

Dearest Auntie O, It was a blessing and truly an honor to spend so many wonderful and precious days and evenings with my father's RIP Tommy James Thomas (TJ), only Sister Ocie Jean. Your words has given me comfort through the good times and bad times, one thing I'll never forget - no matter what God, is in control and if it's His, will be done. My days will be sad without you but your love resides in my heart to keep moving by faith. Love you always, your niece of TJ's mighty 7 (4 boys/ 3 girls). " The Thomas Family"... Ms. D. M .Thas (lile Doris)

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Rest Easy My Big Sis & Partner in Crime (Teaching Gospel Music) for Jesus!

JC- My mentor, my friend My sister, My guide We loved, we laughed We lived, we cried You taught me so much You gave all you had God whispered your name And said, “No more pain!” I miss you…Love you always! VB

The rhythm, the beats, and the notes that filled many hearts as your fingers tickled the black and white ivory, and your left foot did a jig on the bass pedal of the organ now playing in heaven, but you will forever be remembered. You gave others your OJCB love, your treasure, your time, your talent, and Jesus. A servant’s servant you were! Yes! You served wholeheartedly every time, faithfully! Now take your rest Evangelist OJCB, “Safe in the arms of Jesus!” You have fought a good fight; you have kept the faith and you have finished your course. Kattie

Aunt Jean, You will be truly missed. I thank God for having such a special person in my life. Spread your wings and fly high aunt until we meet again. Love your niece, Benita (aka) Nita.

Aunt Jean:

My second mom…an amazing woman full of life, wisdom, guidance and inspiration throughout my life. I will miss and keep in my heart forever I love RIP.

Your nephew, Tim

Godmother: You have always been there, and when I think of our conversations I laugh because you never held back how you felt. Even the things that were hard for me to accept, it always came from a place of love. I’m so blessed for the time God has given me with you, and you will forever be in my heart. Your Son, Christopher

Jean, It is amazing when I look back through the years at our friendship and how we absorbed into each other’s family. My friend, my mentor, my confidant, my prayer partner, and especially my sister. I will miss you, but mostly I will miss our prayers where we connected spiritually daily. You will always hold a special place in my heart as I remember all you have done living a Christian life. Not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. The song says 99 and a half won’t do. With you, you literally ran the race, giving 110 in everything you did. You have served the Lord with every fiber of your being, being a blessing to so many. Rest now my Sister, knowing that the advice, wise counsel, and lashings you gave will be remembered. With all my Love, Kathy

God always knows exactly what we need, when we need it. Thank you, Mom, for walking into my life in 1974, when I needed your love, kindness, wisdom, guidance and yes, humor most. What I learned about you over the next 50 years was that God blessed you with the unique ability to love people in ways that made them feel amazingly special. So, for all the times you walked with me when I felt alone, for all the times you advised me when it would have been easy to say, “you’re on your own”, and for all the laughter and joy you brought to my life, I say thank you. To say ‘I’ll miss you’ couldn’t possibly capture the magnitude of your presence in my life for 50 years. I love you. I honor you. And today and always, I celebrate the woman you were, and the woman you helped shape in me. May you rest in God’s loving arms, until we meet again. ♥ Fran

What is lovely never dies but passes into other loveliness. The love we shared shall live forever, Jean. I appreciate the love you showered onto me, the unwavering loyalty, and pure kindness. I will forever love the joy that I felt in your presence. Sorrow is so easy to express and yet so hard to tell. Not talking to you just crushes me but I take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us. I think of you and all that you brought to my life. Your memory rests gently on my soul and I am grateful for the love that you gave me so unconditionally.

Candace

There are many kind words I can say to describe Dr. Barnes, better known to me as Ms. Jean. She was my sister, my mother, and indeed a best friend. Whatever I needed her to be, she was that to me. I love her with all my heart, and I will miss her dearly. What I loved about her the most was that she never judged me and that she loved me for me. We did a lot of things together and took many trips together out of town and we were roommates during those trips. Anytime we would depart from one another, it was a must that I call her to let her know I was home and safe. If I missed calling her, she would call me because that's who she was; she exemplified a loving, caring, and compassionate heart. Whenever she needed me, I was there. We shared many laughs, talks, and memories that will forever be in my heart. I always said, “I am my sister’s keeper, and a fight goes with it!” Rest in love and peace Ms. Jean. Heaven couldn't wait for you! Well done thou good and faithful servant! Love, Shar

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Aunt Jean The sound of your silence is deafening! My heart aches more than I can adequately express on paper. I learned from you, served with you, laughed, loved, and cried with you. There are so many life lessons you taught me; it is impossible to focus on just one thing. Your quick wit and one-liners might be raw in the moment but prove to be valuable for use in the long run. For example: “It is better to be asked up, than to be asked down!” “Don’t expect other people to do for you what you are willing to do for them. They won’t, and you will be disappointed.” “Keep livin’ and eventually you will know what I know!” “Know your folks…Don’t ask the electrician to change the water hose.” “Take care of your business or it will take care of you!” “Be kind or be quiet!” You were always able to make daily activities teachable moments. I am better because you were in life. In 1989, you took me under your wing and poured into me. You gave guidance in every area of my life. Long before we were connected by Christen, our relationship was special. When I joined the choir and you heard me play, you told me you were going to put me on the Pre-Anniversary Concert Program. I was obviously nervous about it and you said, “I will let Sis. Lucy Jenkins come before you and Sis. Jackie Haggerty come after you. That way if you're bad nobody will know because they weren't listening to you anyway!” Just her little comic relief delivered like only she could deliver it! Who knew that allowing me to play that night would lead to a personal relationship that is unmatched with any other human I know. We always said we were going to ride this “Naomi and Ruth” story to the end, and we did. My last musical endeavor was a tribute to you for our Annual Women’s Day. You loved the words and enjoyed hearing the Women’s Chorus sing it. I adapted it to honor your transition from Earth to Glory: He gave you strength for your journey - He gave you faith for your fight He kept all His promises - Your burden is now light My biggest heartbreak to date was watching you suffer. I am so relieved God heard and answered my prayer for you to have rest and be at peace. Until we meet again, just know my heart is shattered, but it is well with my soul. Luv you always, Ladybug! And On That Note In Loving Memory of Jean Barnes Jean Barnes my cherished friend, sister, and sometimes co-worker was a beacon of light, and a source of unwavering support. We gather to celebrate your extraordinary life and pay tribute to the incredible person you were. You touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know you. Your infectious laughter, compassionate heart, and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on our souls. In times of joy, you celebrated alongside us, filling the room with your vibrant spirit. In moments of sorrow, you offered solace and a comforting presence. I remember you adding your musical genius to the services for my Mom. Your friendship was a sanctuary—a place of acceptance and understanding. You possessed a rare ability to see beyond the surface, to connect with people on a profound level, and to make us feel seen and valued. Your genuine interest in our dreams, struggles, and victories made us believe in ourselves. You were a constant source of inspiration, consistently encouraging us to chase our dreams and embrace our passions. Your unwavering faith in our abilities pushed us to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. Your belief in our potential fueled our determination, and your presence lit the path ahead. Your empathy knew no bounds. You had an uncanny ability to sense when someone was hurting, and you offered a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on without hesitation. Your compassion taught us the true meaning of friendship, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. Your zest for life was contagious. You embraced every moment with enthusiasm, reminding us to savor the In His arms you now find comfort - You have completed your race You kept trusting & waiting - Now you’ve seen Jesus face-to-face

simple joys and find beauty in the ordinary. Your adventurous spirit inspired us to step outside our comfort zones, to explore new horizons, and to live life to the fullest. Though you have left this physical realm, your memory lives on in our hearts. The impact you made during your time with us is immeasurable. We carry your essence with us, forever grateful for the time we shared, and the lessons you taught us. As we bid farewell, we celebrate the legacy you leave behind—the love, kindness, and compassion that will continue to touch lives for generations to come. May your spirit find eternal peace, and may we honor your memory by embracing the qualities that made you so remarkable. I am honored to have been your friend.

Through the tears we cried, we saw you there. Through the difficult process of grieving, we felt you there. Through the challenges of daily life that come with a loss, your support was there. Thank you for every prayer, card, plant, phone call, text, and visit. May God always bless you for the kindness you displayed at a time when we needed you the most. Thanks to Rosalind, Donna, Sarah, Felicia, Wendy, Kris, Colleen, Mandy and the entire VITAS Team for providing quality care and guidance. Special thanks to extended family members Ovie & Arthur Chester, Angela Brim, Virgie Brooks, and Deanna Wylie for giving of themselves as members of the “Around the Clock” team.

Robert Pierson Don Williams Greg Steele Jay Barnes Peter Tatum Rev. Tyrone Swoopes

Arthur Chester Tim Anderson Willy Adams Jonathan Grant-Brooks Christopher Boyd Bruce Roberts Willie Tatum

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