Lucretia E. Barnes, age 96, of Gainesville, FL, passed away July 16, 2019, in the care of E.T. York Haven Hospice. Lucretia (fondly known as Cris) was born on April 7, 1923, in Savannah, GA to the late Francis and Marie (Foreman) Edwards. She attended Pape School and Armstrong College in Savannah, GA, where she studied Business and captained the basketball team. She and her husband Gene owned and operated “Nearly Nu and Antiques Too” and “Then and Now Shop”, both in Gainesville during the 1960’s and 70’s. She also worked for Dr. Weintraub, a Dermatologist, in Gainesville, FL. She was an office manager for both the Foster Grandparents Program and RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). Cris was an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and travel. Cris especially loved finding yard sale treasures. Her family especially loved the “Yard Sale Santa” Christmas stockings she’d make. She was a member of United Methodist Churches in Gainesville. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Eugene Barnes, who died in 1998, and her sister Anita Chappell. She is survived by sons Robert F. Barnes (Karen W.) of Pensacola, FL, Donald W. Barnes (Sandra R.) of Gainesville, FL, sister Adelia Padgett of Savannah, GA, and one granddaughter Lauren F. Barnes of Pensacola. The family will gather on July 24, 2019 at the cemetery from 9:30 – 10AM. The Graveside Service will be held at the Forest Meadows Memorial Park –Central Cemetery, 4100 NW 39 th Ave. Gainesville, FL, at 10am, with Rev. Ben Richards of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice or The Humane Society of Gainesville. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home.