Melissa Conner Barnes

Melissa Conner Barnes, age 51, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at her home.

Melissa was born Saturday, September 6, 1975 in Rutherford County to Doris Baynard Fish who resides in Forest City and to the late Robert Conner. She was a dedicated homemaker and loved her pet dog, Mocha. Melissa attended the Gilkey Church of God.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son Joshua Barnes and her grandmother, Ruby Baynard.

Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Doris Baynard Fish of Forest City; daughter, Amber B. Smith of Rutherfordton; sisters, Angela Holland (Eric) of Union Mills, NC, Michelle Wyatt of South Carolina; her brother, Robbie Conner (Mary) of Ruth, NC and her beloved pet, Mocha.

A celebration of Melissa’s life will take place on a date to be determined.