Born on November 27, 1938, in Washington, Iowa, Geraldine K. Barnes graduated from Adrian High School before receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education at Adrian College in 1962. Going on to earn her Master's Degree in Physical Education at Michigan State University, Barnes then taught Physical Education at Grand Haven Jr. High from 1962-1963, and was then hired at Eastern Michigan University in 1964 as a Sports Skills Specialist. During her time at EMU, Barnes started the women's speed swimming team, coached softball, golf, and basketball, assisted with the synchronized swimming program, and was active in women's intramural activities. Barnes served as the first Women's Athletic Director when Women's Althletics was moved from administrative responsibility of the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance into the administrative responsibility of the Athletic Department.

In the classroom, Barnes developed courses in track and field, soccer, flag football, beginning and intermediate volleyball, officiating, speed swimming, analysis, fitness, computer applications, cross country skiing, and golf. Throughout her tenure at EMU, Barnes held many official positions, including: Michigan representative at the First and Second National Institutes on Women's Sports, Co-Chair of Michigan's First and Second Institutes on Girls' Sports, Executive Board member of the Midwest Association for College and University Physical Education, college representative and Member At Large to the Michigan Division of Girls and Womens' Sports, Treasurer and Commissioner of State of Michigan Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, Chairperson on the Washtenaw County Board of Officials for Women, and Midwest Coordinator of the American Board of Officials for Women's Sports. Barnes' achievements and awards include being a nationally rated official in basketball, National Golf Foundation Certified Clinician, Commissioner of the Year award from State of Michigan Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, and a Certificate of Commendation from Eastern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for contributions to the success of women in today's society, 1985.

Barnes retired from Eastern Michigan University in 1994 and still resides in Ypsilanti.