Mary Janet "Jan" Pullen Barnes

Jan Barnes, 81, of Frankfort, peacefully passed to “Moon River,” the song she cherished with her beloved late husband Tommy. We know Tommy was there to greet her with a warm “Hello Darlin’.” Born on December 3, 1944, Jan was the daughter of W.D. Pullen and Ida Maybrier Pullen. A lifelong resident of Frankfort, she was a 1963 honor graduate of Frankfort High School, where she was an outstanding musician and vocalist. She continued her education at Georgetown College and Kentucky State University. Jan retired from the Kentucky Department of Education after 27 devoted years of service. Beyond her career, she lived a busy and fulfilling life grounded in love, creativity, and community. She deeply enjoyed time with family, history and genealogy, cooking, music, theater, gardening, and especially adored time spent with her kids and grandchildren. She was active in the Bluegrass Theater Guild, the Capital City Choir, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Jan was married to her high school sweetheart, Thomas C. “Tommy” Barnes III, for 47 wonderful years. Together, they built a loving family and a life full of memories with their four kids and seven grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Tracy Barnes, Tara Graves (Larry), Todd Barnes (Kristin), and daughter-in-law Lindsay Barnes, all of Frankfort. Her loving grandchildren: Tessa Barnes, Connor Graves (Heather), Carson Graves, Thomas Carter Barnes V, Brady Barnes, Annabelle Barnes, and Beau Barnes; and her sisters, Betsy Dozier (George), Nan Taylor (Jerry), and Sarah Maynard (Greg), along with many nieces and nephews. Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas C. “Tommy” Barnes III; her son, Thomas Carter Barnes IV; and her brother, Robert D. Pullen. A funeral service will be held at LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM and continuing until the time of service. A graveside service will immediately follow at Frankfort Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her precious grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Jan’s gentle spirit, her love for family, and her devotion to music, learning, and heritage will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mary Janet "Jan" Pullen Barnes

December 3, 1944 - December 6, 2025