Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Vondelear K. Barnes, 57, of Suffolk, passed away on May 14, 2022. Vondelear, affectionately known as Von spent the last several years battling the devastating effects of ALS. She walked the path of a true saint always cheerful amid her suffering. She could find the silver lining to keep pushing forward in any situation. Von was so special. She represented the good that we all need every day in our lives. She was one of a select few who could rise to meet challenges with a smile. Those who had the privilege of knowing her were witnesses to her strong faith and her deep love for others. 

Von was born on Dec. 28, 1964, to Bessie K. Newsome and Ray Lee Branch in Suffolk. After Von graduated from John F. Kennedy High School she remained in the Suffolk area raising her daughter and best friend Jasmine Lundy.  She was a faithful disciple of her Savior Jesus Christ. She was a formal member of Tabernacle Christian United Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, deaconess ministry and choir member. She then joined First Baptist Church Mahan.

Von’s last years of employment were with Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters-Medical Group. She loved serving the families and enjoyed watching each child grow.  Von had an unassuming and disarming smile that could put anyone at ease; from newborns to the elderly, everyone was Von’s friend.

In 2006, she married William L. Barnes. William was her rock in the storm. Their commitment to one another and faith in the Lord provide many sweet memorable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Von was predeceased by her two brothers, Attorney Rufus Tyrone Kee and Darryl Newsome and three grandchildren, Peyton, Tadynn and TahLula Gates. She is survived by her committed and loving husband, William Barnes; daughter, Jasmine Lundy; three granddaughters, Taylynn and TahLeah Gates and Brooklynn Jackson; her mother and father, Bessie Newsome and Ray Lee Branch; two sisters, the Rev. Lucille White and Dyrissa Simon (Anthony); four brothers, the Rev. Donald Newsome (Tracy), Gregory Goode (Sandra), Kim Davis and Jermaine Branch; her stepmother, Lonnie Allgood; mother-in-law, Dorothy N. Barnes; sisters-in-law, Deatrice K. Johnson, Willethe Winborne, Jacqueline Kee and Anita Newsome; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Barnes and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special girlfriends include Darlene Waters, Pauline Ralph, Sharon Reid and Janice Woodard.

A celebration of life will take place at noon Tuesday, May 24, at First Baptist Church Mahan.  Interment to follow at Carver Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk. Professional services entrusted to Peebles Funeral Home, Suffolk.

Contributions made in memory of Von may be made to Peebles Funeral Home, 1016 E. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434.