TupeloFrances Barnes, 86, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the North MS Medical Center after a brief illness. A lifelong native of Tupelo, she was born October 6, 1928 to Wesley and Millie McKissick. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Tupelo and worked 33 years for Bell South Telephone as an operator supervisor. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and making crafts.

Services will be 2 pm Saturday at the Lee Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Hatfield officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

She is survived by her brother, W.L. McKissick (Rita) of Saltillo; her niece, Jennifer Kidd (Craig) of Smyrna, TN; her nephew, Christopher McKissick (Kacy) of Saltillo); 2 great-nieces who knew her as "Granny," Elizabeth and Ryleigh; and special friends, Howard and Sylvia Epperly of Tupelo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her step-mom who raised her, Annie Davis McKissick; and by her husband of 50 years, J.L. "Jim" Barnes.

Visitation will be noon to service time Saturday.