Joyce Barnes, a former Centralia City Council member who served two terms, passed away at the age of 91, the city announced in a statement Friday.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Joyce Barnes, former councilmember for Centralia for many years. Joyce’s commitment to our community, her dedication to public service, and her gracious spirit left a lasting impact on our city,” the city wrote. “She will be remembered for her leadership, her kindness, and the many ways she helped Centralia grow and thrive. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. May her memory live on.”
Barnes was born on Dec. 27, 1933, in Ventura, California, and first moved to Centralia in 1949.
Barnes, a Centralia College graduate, served two terms on the city council in the late 1980s and mid-1990s and then another following election in 2016. She ran again for city council in 2023 at the age of 89. She served on the city council when Centralia first transitioned from a commissioner to a council-manager form of government.
Barnes also served on the city planning commission and the fire advisory board, and she was the supervisor and manager for the Pearl Street Veterans Memorial Pool working to keep the pool open. She also spent time on the Chehalis-Centralia Airport Board and Destination Centralia, and she worked as a real estate agent in Centralia.
According to previous Chronicle reporting, Barnes was the last surviving founder of the Centralia Summerfest celebration and served as the grand marshal of the Fourth of July event in 2017 after being involved in the event for over 40 years. Barnes lived in the Hub City for over seven decades after growing up in Ventura, California.
“I think it’s the best place in the world,” Barnes said of Centralia in a 2017 Chronicle article.
Condolences for Barnes poured in from elected officials and community members.
“She was such a good friend. What a tireless advocate for Centralia!” Edna Fund, former Lewis County commissioner and former Centralia City Councilor, wrote.
“I am very sad to learn of Joyce’s passing. I served with Joyce on city council and witnessed her true love and passion for our community,” state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, said. “My family’s thoughts and prayers are with her and her loved ones.”
“Joyce was one of the first community members I met when I arrived at the college three decades ago,” Steve Ward, longtime Centralia College leader, said, “and it seemed like she was everywhere, at college and community events, serving on the city council, charitable groups, you name it. The city was fortunate to have her as a representative, and she will be truly missed.”
Read more about Barnes in Julie McDonald's latest commentary here: https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-joyce-barnes-put-citizens-first-as-centralia-councilor,389048
