Mrs. Lillie Conolia Barnett

Her Story: Celebrating the life and legacy of our mother, Lillie Conolia Stroud Barnett. Born on June 23, 1929 in Greene County, GA to Usher and Mary Ann Jackson Stroud. Conolia was the seventh child out of nine. The entire family preceded her in death. The Stroud family was a Christian family. Conolia joined Spring Creek Baptist Church as a young child. She attended and graduated from Jones Central School and always treasured the memories from those days. In 1947 Conolia was united in holy matrimony to Henry Lovett Barnett (called Love by family and friends). They moved to Shelby, NC and started a family. To this union a son and daughter was born. The family moved to Detroit in the early 1950s. Love found employment in the automotive industry and sometimes held down multiple jobs. Conolia was an excellent homemaker and often took on jobs outside the home to help support the family. It was a loving and happy home! Life was closely shared with lots of extended family and friends. Both Conolia and Love wanted the best for their children. They made sure they attended church and received an education. Love and Conolia participated in each and every activity they were involved in. Conolia was always a supportive mother at school and she was active in her Community Block Club. She joined Hartford Avenue Baptist Church in the early 1960s and attended every Sunday rain or shine. Conolia became a successful business woman when her husband (and later her son), opened a bar and store in the city of Detroit. She met many people and developed some strong ties. Conolia was respected and trusted. Her public associates learned what her family and friends knew and often experienced. Conolia had a powerful wit and the ability to tell anybody exactly how she felt. She didn't believe in holding back and would quickly straighten you out. They also saw she had a beautiful smile and loved to talk and be entertaining. She was a natural at hitting a funny bone when laying out her take on life or a particular situation. After 51 years of marriage, Conolia lost her husband suddenly. Her Faith in the Lord gave her the strength and courage to go on. She knew it was important to be strong in order to carry her family onward. Later, Conolia began to have health issues. This required a life style change and over the last seven years she resided in a nursing care facility. There were many attentive and loving care givers who saw after her. They remained by her side offering their love and support to the family as well. We would also like to thank Angela Hospice for their support.

Mrs. Lillie Conolia Barnett

June 23, 1929 - February 12, 2019