Zetta Barnes Obituary

Zetta Allene Roller Barnes

March 26, 1939 -

January 1, 2026

Zetta Allene Roller Barnes, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at The Reserve at Spring Hill.

Zetta was born on March 26, 1939, to the late Virgil Frank Roller and Edith Allene Roller. After graduating from Holston High School in 1957, she married her beloved husband, Joe Fulton Barnes, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, family, and service.

A devout Christian, Zetta was a faithful member of Wheeler United Methodist Church, where she served for many years as Secretary/Treasurer. She also worked for the United States Postal Service and later served as Secretary to the United Methodist Holston Conference, roles in which she was known for her dedication, reliability, and warm spirit.

Zetta was widely admired for her talents in gardening, canning, and baking, and she was truly a "go-to" person in the community for advice and tips. Her homemade spaghetti sauce and rolls were legendary, though she was a gifted cook in every sense and took great joy in sharing her food with others.

Zetta will be remembered for her servant's heart, strong faith, and the love she poured into her family, friends, church, and community.

In addition to her parents, Zetta was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Fulton Barnes; and her brothers, Afton and Jim Roller.

She is survived by her son, Timothy Fulton Barnes (Beverly) of Spring Hill, TN; her sister, Mary Etta Bowlin; four grandchildren, Bryan Fulton Barnes (Jessica), Bridgette Barnes Smith (Corey), Mandy Perry Thames (Brad), and Nathan William Perry (Lauren); and ten cherished great-grandchildren.

A visitation will take place from 11am – 1pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Blountville. A service will follow at 1pm with Rev. Ginger Isom officiating. Burial to follow.

Serving as pallbearers are Bernie Freeman, Jeff Rash, Jim Deck, Curtis Akard, and Bryan and Harris Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Wheeler United Methodist Church, 211 N Sanders St, Blountville, TN 37617 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the compassionate and professional staff of The Reserve at Spring Hill and Gentiva Hospice for the heartfelt care shown to Zetta during her final days.

Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.