Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

On the afternoon of April 1, 2025, our beloved, sweet, and loving sister, Mommy and grandmother, Shurling, departed this earth to enter her eternal rest in peace.

Born on September 18, 1969, Shurling Ann Barnes brought warmth and light to the world. She was the cherished daughter of the late Sarah Louise Trawick Barnes and Willie Lee Barnes of Milledgeville, Georgia. Shurling's life was marked by a series of achievements, including graduating from Baldwin High School in 1988 and earning a Cosmetology Degree. Her professional journey was marked by 25 years of dedicated service at Central State Hospital, followed by her role as a bus monitor for the Baldwin County Board of Education, where she discovered a newfound passion for caring for the children she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her uncle, Walter Lee Trawick; her aunts, Mrs. Gennie Mae Trawick and Ms. Julia Pearl Jordan; and her nephew, Jarnorris L. Horne.

Shurling was known for her vibrant personality and her ability to light up any room she entered. Her daughter, Raven, was vital to her, and the discovery that she would become a grandmother further increased her happiness. Outspoken, witty, and caring, Shurling's famous saying when she wanted to end a conversation was, “WHATEVER.” She was also a die-hard fan of the Atlanta Falcons.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. She leaves behind her daughter, Raven Jodecia Hill (Christopher Cleveland), and her grandson, Micah Khalil Cleveland of Augusta, GA; her God-given daughter, Madison Willis of Florida; her God-given son, Kevin Letroy Moore of Milledgeville, GA; her fiancé, Seaborn (Kelvin) Willis of Gordon, GA; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernice Barnes (Joseph D. Vamper) of Gray, GA, Patricia Ann (Lamar M.) Horne of Augusta, GA; long-time sisters for life: Nina Adams of Milledgeville, GA, Regina Grace of Cobb County, GA, Veronica Roach of Byron, GA, Angelia Hunt of Milledgeville, GA; nephew, Amire Vamper of Gray, GA; niece, Lasacha Vamper of South Carolina; and great-nephew, Jeremiah Rivers of South Carolina; her special loving birthday sharing niece, Ms. India Wilcox, Macon, GA; special loving cousin, Mrs. Ruth Patton of Marietta, GA; uncles, James C. Trawick and Alfred Lee Trawick, both of Milledgeville, GA, Rev. Elijah Barnes, Sr. of Sparta, GA, James (Irene) Barnes of Boston, MA; aunts, Susie Valentine; and Nettie (Pamphile) Valentine, both of Atlanta, GA, Helen L.  Trawick and Annie Mae Barnes, both of Milledgeville, GA; a host of loving and dear cousins, friends, and other relatives.

Broken Chain
We little knew the day God would call your name. In life, we loved you dearly; in death, we do the same. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

“Mommy, your absence is a presence felt in every corner of my life. I carry your memory with me always, but oh, how I miss you. Though you're no longer here to wipe away my tears, your love continues to comfort me. I miss you more than you'll ever know.”
~ Ron Tranmer