Dr. Jewell M. Barnett
Jewell M. Barnett, M.D., 79, of Yorktown, passed away on December 15, 2022, after a short illness. He was comforted and surrounded by his loving family during the hours before his passing. Born in 1943, Jewell grew up on his family farm in Nicholson, Georgia. As a boy, Jewell came to love the outdoors and developed all the fine qualities and traits that a young country boy is thought to have. As the first person in his family to attend college, Jewell enrolled at the University of Georgia in 1962. His love of medicine began when he first became a pharmacist which helped pay his way through medical school. After graduating from the Medical College of Georgia in 1970, Jewell found his way to Newport News where he began his residency in OB/GYN at Riverside Hospital. It was there that he began a relationship with Riverside Health System where he worked as a physician and the director of the OB/GYN residency program. He practiced medicine for 46 years and delivered thousands of babies before his retirement.
After finishing his residency in 1974, Jewell began his medical practice with what was then known as Caine, Keffer & Barnett. Through the years, he had a number of partners and nurses that he worked with closely. They were as devoted to him as he was to them.
Hunting and fishing trips were special times for Jewell. Hunting pheasant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, fishing and hunting in Alaska, and annual trips to Pennsylvania were favorite times for Jewell where he could relax and go back to the country life that he enjoyed as a boy. “Jewell’s Venison” became a favorite among guests at his family’s annual Christmas Party.
In 1983, Jewell personally designed and built his home in York County on Hodges Cove with his wife and three children. The home hosted a great many cookouts, Christmas parties, pool parties, boating trips, smores roastings, and friends simply coming over for a glass of wine or a scotch. Jewell was fun to be with. He was interesting to talk to. He had a quick wit, an irreverent sense of humor, and an infectious smile.
Jewell was truly a lovely man and he will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen H. Barnett; his son, Michael A. Barnett (Frank) of Portland, Oregon; his daughters, Amy B. Hudgins (Scott) of Windermere, Florida and Jill B. Verser (Joe) of Poquoson and five grandchildren that hung the moon for him: Sarah Kathryn Hudgins, Jack Davis Hudgins, Bowen Barnett Verser, Sadie Jewell Verser and Audrey Claire Verser . . . and his constant living room companion, Auggie, his precious yellow Labrador Retriever.
A Celebration of Jewell’s life will take place at 4:00p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at James River Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lackey Free Clinic, 1620 Old Williamsburg Rd. Yorktown, VA 23690. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.