On the evening of Dec. 7, 2021, Carol Jenkins Barnett passed away at the age of 65. In 2016, she was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Carol was the 6th of Mr. George’s 7 children and former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities. She is remembered for her philanthropy, especially her advocacy for education and children’s literacy. Together with her husband, Barney Barnett, they gave back to nonprofit organizations, community projects and her alma mater, Florida Southern College.
During her lifetime, Carol received many awards for her selfless giving. These include the Champion for Literacy award from the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, United Way of America’s National Alexis de Tocqueville Award, the Association of Junior Leagues International’s Notable Member Award and an induction into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.
In 1983, Carol joined the foundation’s board of directors (which would later become Publix Super Markets Charities), and her time on the board instilled in her a passion for the needs of the communities Publix serves. This experience deepened her understanding of her father’s interests, philosophies and goals for philanthropic giving. Following her father’s stroke in 1989, the charities board appointed her chair. In 1991, she was named chair and president.
Although Carol is best known for her charitable work, her involvement with Publix started when she was young. She grew up in Lakeland, Florida, where Mr. George decided to headquarter Publix. Carol joined Publix in 1972 as a cashier at #11 (now #1651), Lakeland, when she was 16 years old. Later, she graduated from Florida Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and worked in our corporate marketing research and development department. In 1983, Carol was elected to the Publix board of directors, where she served for 33 years.
“The Publix family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great humanitarian and community advocate,” said CEO Todd Jones. “She will be sorely missed by her family, our associates and the community. Carol had a generous heart and compassionate soul. Her efforts will continue to improve the lives of others for generations.”
A heart for giving
These are just a few of the organizations and projects supported by Carol and Barney:
- United Way
- YMCA
- Florida’s School Readiness Program
- Family Fundamentals
- The Children’s Movement of Florida
- Barnett Park in Lakeland, Florida
- Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health
- The Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College
- The Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health at Florida Southern College
- Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida
