Boykins - Helen Grace Hoggard Barnes, who recently celebrated her 100 ^th birthday with a host of friends and family members, died on Friday, December 15 ^th . She was born on November 12, 1917, in Bertie County, NC, a daughter of Lula Frances Cannady and Joseph Duncan Hoggard. After graduating from Powellsville High School, Grace attended Norfolk College of William & Mary for an associate degree in business.

Besides her parents, Grace was predeceased by her husband, W. Wilson Barnes; two sisters, Emily Mildred Hoggard and Marie Hoggard Bracy; and two brothers, Woodrow and J.C. Hoggard. She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca B. Chalmers (Jim) and Joan Claire B. Lassiter (Allan); a stepson Wilson Barnes, Jr. (Jo-Ann); 5 grandchildren, Jenny Barnes Owens, Christopher Chalmers, Kimberly Chalmers Mahnken, Patrick Chalmers, and Andy Lassiter; 4 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Beulah M. Hoggard, devoted friend Sylvia P. Edwards, 3 nieces, and 6 nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 20 ^th , at Boykins Baptist Church, where Grace was a faithful member for 75 years. Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall. Burial is private.

The family is grateful to the staff at The Village at Woods Edge, Grace's home from 2004 until her death, and for the exceptional care recently provided by Ms. Ella Sykes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boykins Baptist Church, P. O. Box 302, Boykins, VA 23827. www.wrightfuneralhome.org