Elois Williams Barnes, daughter of the late Victor and Louise Gorham was born April 4, 1937 in Falken, North Carolina. She was the loving wife of William Barnes.

Elois left North Carolina and moved to Connecticut. She received training in business from Yale University . Elois, fondly called Lois, was an entrepreneur who started her own cleaning business, E. Williams and Sons Janitorial Services which she maintained until her retirement in 2017. This was a very successful business that continued for over 40 years.

Lois was a soft-spoken, kind and gracious woman with a quick smile for everyone. She loved children and family was very important to her. Lois had a big heart and was generous to all. She believed in working hard, and she was a hard worker.

Lois loved her church and looked forward to Sunday services. She was awarded the Pillars of Wisdom medal from her church, Dixwell Avenue UCC. This is recognized as a historic legacy of the church.

As her health declined, her devoted husband William lovingly cared for her and continued to care for her at their home until her transition to Heaven. Her favorite saying was, "God is good all the time" followed by, "Hallelujah!" She was a joy to all who knew her and will be missed by all.

Mrs. Barnes leaves to mourn, her beloved husband, William Barnes; sons, Gerald (Laura) Williams and Calvin Freeman of Greenville, NC; grandchildren, Gerald, Christa, CJ, Ricky Jr., Giovanni, and Janee; and three brothers, William and Lavalle of Greenville, NC and Mark of Long Island, NY.

She was predeceased by her sons, Bobby, Ricky and Charles; her grandson, Gabriel; brothers, Victor, James, Larry, Johnny and Donald; and sisters, Leeola, Louise, Nancy, Odessa and Mattie.

A celebration of Mrs. Barnes' life and legacy will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. The burial will be private.