Basil Errington Barnes

Basil Errington Barnes was born on May 12, 1943, in Hanover Parish, Chester Castle District, Jamaica, to Laura Bowman and Verrisford Richard Barnes. He was preceded in death by his siblings Myrtle (Barnes) Graham, Grace Barnes, Elorine Barnes (Facey), and Patrick Barnes. He is lovingly remembered as “Baba” by his family. Raised by his aunt Rachel Barnes (Leslie), Basil was deeply influenced by her, especially when he moved to Greenland in Hanover. She instilled in him a love for and devotion to Jesus Christ, which manifested in his enjoyment of worship and sharing the Good News.

At age twelve, Basil was baptized in Bragging Tom River, joining the local Holiness Church in Hanover. In his youth, he worked first as a blacksmith, then as a hardware craftsman before discovering his talent for painting. His faith continued to grow, leading him to be baptized again at nineteen in the same district.

On July 21, 1974, Basil embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States, greeted by his sister—a moment he would always remember fondly. His first job was as an agricultural worker in West Virginia, followed by five years in hospitality in Florida. He settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he met Carolyn Teasdell and became a part of his daughter, LaKeena’s early life forming a lifelong bond.

On August 17, 1979, he entered into Holy Matrimony with Carolyn, and together they had two sons, Nickolas and Richard, all of whom preceded him in death. During this time, he joined the New Testament Church of God in Lauderhill, Florida.

Basil spent seventeen years as Lead Painter in a commercial real estate business, demonstrating remarkable dedication. Later, he founded a Painting and Pressure Cleaner Company, serving homes and commercial properties for eight years. After retiring, he moved to Georgia in to care for his late mother-in-law, Inez Teasdell, providing attentive support for her needs.

He became part of Mt. Zion Outreach Ministries in Glennville, Georgia, fondly known as “Mr. B” and “Daddy Barnes.” The ministry's praise services reminded him of worship back in Jamaica. Basil’s unwavering faith and compassionate nature defined him. Always ready to listen, counsel, and pray for others, he faced life's challenges—particularly declining health—with determination and optimism. Rather than giving up, his relationship with God inspired him to encourage others through both words and actions. His favorite saying was, “Keep giving God Thanks; he will take care of you no matter what.”

Basil was actively involved in Signature HealthCARE and Rehab center and was honored with the Resident Hall of Fame Award for community involvement, leadership, and personal achievements.

He peacefully passed away on Monday morning, March 2, 2026, described as answering God’s call from labor to reward. “One by one we are going home.” Now, he rests in the presence of his Savior.

Surviving him are his daughter LaKeena S. Roberts of Alpharetta, Georgia; two sisters, Cherry Barnes (Grant) of Leesburg, Florida and Gerzel “Lez” (Leslie) Hyman of St Ann, Jamaica; his brother-in-law Lethi Grant of Leesburg, Florida; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, church members, and friends.