Obituary of Carolyn Barber

Fun, vivacious, yearbook editor, competitive, beginning accountant, pianist, and church organist are all terms that could have readily described Carolyn Marie during her senior year of high school! Since Carolyn and her family (Alonza Dewitt and Edith Mitchell and her 2 sisters. Janelle and Jane) lived in a house directly across the street from her high school, Carolyn would often take her 2-year old sister, Jane, across the street to entertain her friends at lunch time, an activity that Jane loved.

Born in Opelika, AL, following high school graduation, Carolyn attended Auburn University where she was active in the exciting new television science field before departing for Richmond, VA, and ultimately Atlanta, GA, where she worked for Robert and Company, a major engineering and construction company. Sharing an apartment in Atlanta with 3 other young women, they lived next door to an apartment of 4 young men. Ultimately, 2 of the young women married 2 of the young men from next door.

Carolyn was attracted to her neighbor, a tall and lanky Vernon Hymric Barber, Jr., who was working during the day and attending evening accounting classes at the University of Georgia. They were married on February 14, 1958. Chip Barber joined their family when he was born in 1964. Vern then became an accountant with Pillsbury, and their family was subsequently transferred to Gainesville, GA where Jeffrey (Jeff) Mitchell Barber was born. In the coming years, the family was transferred from Gainesville to Allentown, PA, and ultimately to Minneapolis, MN. After living within the city limits for a few years, Carolyn, Vern, and their 2 sons moved south of Minneapolis to Burnsville, MN.

Chip and Jeff lived with their Mom until they went to college. Carolyn began working at Honeywell in 1981 where she worked in their Training and Development Department for many years.

In later years, Carolyn was active with Church of Peace United Methodist in Richfield. She also enjoyed the many pleasurable activities offered at Creekside Community Center.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Vernon Hymric (Chip) Barber, III, who works in video production, his twin sons, Keenan and Logan, and his daughter, Rhiannon, who live in Richfield. Carolyn is also survived by her second son, Jeffrey (Jeff) Mitchell Barber, a long-time resident of Toronto who co-owns and manages Sonic Boom Records. Jeff lives with his partner Ann Shin, a filmmaker and writer, and her 2 daughters, Zara and Aster. Carolyn’s sisters are so very grateful to Chip and Jeff for the loving, tender care they gave their mom.

In addition to her sons and grandchildren, Carolyn is survived by her 2 sisters, Janelle Mitchell Williams of Spanish Fort, AL, and Jane Mitchell Howard (Pierce) of Charlotte, NC, as well as 7 additional nieces and nephews, 12 grand nieces and nephews, and 3 first cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider making contributions to Fairview Home Care and Hospice, Presbyterian Homes and Services, Martin Luther Campus, or PBS. Final arrangements to celebrate Carolyn Barber’s very full life are still in progress.