Zell Mae Barnard

Zella "Zell" Mae Barnard, 83, of Young Harris, GA, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on June 16, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1943, in Blairsville, GA, to Willie Henderson and Selma Henderson.

She was a woman full of life and love, known for her devotion to family and her many passions. Zella found joy in music and concerts, cherished time spent with family, and treasured moments sitting on the porch. In her younger days, she was athletic and competitive, enjoying water skiing and softball. Her heart was especially devoted to working with children, and she embraced being a grandmother and great-grandmother with great pride.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Noel Barnard; children Penny (Brock) Auvil, and Danny Barnard; grandchildren Kirk (Miriam) Shook, Craig (Katie) Shook, Paige Barnard, and Christopher Barnard; great-grandchildren Maddie Shook, Allie Shook, Tucker Shook, Runer Barnard, Mia Warren, Henry Warren; siblings Gwen Denton, Linda (Jerry) Miller, and Sharon Monkus. She is also survived by her son-in-law Cliff Shook, sister-in-law Judy Henderson; and brother-in-law Arnold Monkus. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by her parents Willie Henderson and Selma Hall; daughter Bridget Shook; siblings Vinson Henderson and Troy Henderson; sister-in-law Joyce Henderson; brother-in-law Phil Denton.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 pm on June 18, 2026, at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home & Crematory- Hiawassee Chapel.

The funeral service will be held on June 19, 2026, at 11:00am at Mt Pigsah Baptist Church in Warne, NC, with Pastor Dennis Miles officiating. Music provided by Joel Patterson. 

Interment will follow at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery in Warne, NC. 

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers Scott Denton, Jerry Miller, Terry Henderson, Kenny Barnard, Mickey Denton, Tyler Hyatt, Devin Henderson, and Jeff Barnard. 

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Zella Mae Barnard. You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.