Dorothea Barnes, whom her Dad affectionately named Creola, was the second child born to the union of Earnest and Mary (Kidd) Kennedy Barnes on May 27, 1936, in Soso, MS.

Creola accepted the Lord as her Savior Jesus Christ at an early age, and studied His Word regularly. She was a prayer warrior that loved God and kept many prayer partners. She grew up attending Queens Chapel Baptist Church in Laurel, MS. When she moved to Rochester, PA. When she moved to Rochester, PA she became a dedicated member of Second Baptist Church of Rochester.

She graduated from Oak Park High School in Laurel, MS. She later attended Jackson State University where she fell in love and married Benny Ray Patton.

Traveling and reading were her hobbies and favorite pastimes.

Creola was passionate about many causes. She was a civil rights activist and a Freedom Rider. She was also an avid supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Her career spanned over 35 years as a social worker for Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

Creola was loved by many and it is often said "She didn't meet any strangers."

Dorothea was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Neely, step father James Neely, father Earnest Barnes, step mother Epsy Lee Barnes, uncles Emmet Kennedy, Harrison Barnes, and Bender Kennedy, Aunts: Emma Barnes McCall and Bessie Lee Kennedy., brothers Johnny Lee Barnes, C.G. Barnes, Charles Barnes, and sister Emma Lee Evans.

Left to cherish her memory are siblings Jeneal Nelson, Bure (Jacqueline) Barnes, Michael (Lorraine) Barnes, Delores Barnes, and Lamont Barnes, sister in law Jackie Barnes, Godson, Brian Denard, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, best friend Mamie and dear friends.