Carolyn Barnhill

“If Anyone Should Ever Write My Life Story”

Carolyn Barnhill

With heartfelt love, we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Carolyn Barnhill. Carolyn was born on March 9, 1950, in Thomasville, Georgia to the late Lawrence Armster and the late Lula Mae Jones and peacefully gained her heavenly wings on June 28, 2025.

Carolyn’s Legacy…

Carolyn was a woman of unwavering faith, abundant grace, and quiet strength. She lived a life rooted in God’s word and guided by love, service, and compassion. Her presence was a steady light to those around her—offering a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear to anyone in need

Educated in Pinellas County, FL and Thomas County, GA public schools, Carolyn made DeFuniak Springs, FL her home. It is here that she laid the foundations of her legacy rooted in God’s Word, faith, family, love and service. These tenets guided her in the rearing of her seven children, in her work ethic, as well as her resilient and compassionate approach to life.

Carolyn was a woman of unwavering faith, abundant grace, and quiet strength. She lived a life rooted in God’s word and guided by love, service, and compassion. Her presence was a steady light to those around her—offering a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear to anyone in need.

Carolyn was a devout member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Temple Baptist Church and Macedonia Baptist Church where she found strength, fellowship, and joy in singing and praising God. Well known for her powerful, yet sweet soprano voice, Carolyn sang many solos in and around DeFuniak Springs. Christ was the driving force of her life and guided her words, actions, and deeds as she encouraged her family, prayed for others, and supported her church and community. A living testimony of God’s faithfulness, love and grace, Carolyn’s heart was securely anchored in Christ.

While employed more than thirty years at Chautauqua Convalescent Center in DeFuniak Springs, Carolyn was also a domestic worker, catering assistant, and provided Eleventh-hour Hospice support to terminally ill patients and their families. Her wisdom, kindness, and love for the Lord shined like a beacon and drew people from all walks of life. She used every opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus and readily offered comfort and support to everyone she met.

More than anything, she cherished her children. She was a loving mother who instilled in them the values of faith, respect, education, and perseverance. A natural nurturer, Carolyn found great joy in caring for her children and grandchildren, serving and feeding the community homemade soul food dishes and desserts (especially her famous Christmas Chocolate Balls and Pralines!). As a family, they could be heard laughing, cooking, praying, or singing gospel songs.

Carolyn’s warm spirit, radiant smile, and wisdom will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Though we grieve her earthly absence, we rejoice in knowing that she is at peace, reunited with loved ones, and resting in the arms of the Lord.

In addition to her mother and father, Carolyn is preceded in death by her son, James Potter, Jr., and her brother, Mack A. Robinson.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Her devoted and loving children: Karl Potter, Ft. Mitchell, AL; Tyrone Potter, Pheonix,AZ; Olivia Andrews-Beard (Brent), Allen TX; Michael Barnhill (LaWanda), Auburn, AL; Candice Andrews, Clarksville, TN; Kari Barnhill, Augusta, GA.

Grandchildren: Tyrell Potter, Tucson, AZ; Riara Potter, Sandy Springs, GA; LaKorte Potter(Courtni), San Angelo, TX; Brevin Beard, Brandon Beard, Allen, TX; Myniah Barnhill, Justin Barnhill, Allen, Phenix City, AL; Cortlin Fleming, Clarksville, TN.

Brothers: Joseph Robinson, Jr., Thomasville, GA; Chester Robinson, Rudolph Robinson, St, Petersburg, FL; Step-brother, George Jones (Barbara), Neptune, NJ.

Sisters: Alverdean Robinson-Tindell and Gloria A. Robinson, St. Petersburg, FL; Step-sister, Frankie Mae Graves, Thomasville, GA; Sister-in-law, Debra A. Robinson, Oviedo, FL.

Aunt: Louise Barnhill, Thomasville, GA

Uncle: Perry Barnhill, Thomasville, GA

Godchildren: God-daughter, Brandi Brown, DeFuniak Springs, FL; God-granddaughter, Aria Crystal Finch, Chicago, IL.

Devoted friends: Bessie R. Kirnes, St. Petersburg, FL;Lowana Palama Goyer, Lisa Caldwell, Shirley Guillory, Lucendy Jackson, Lisa Caldwell, Essie Patterson, Floney Jackson, Ellen Mayfield, and Glory Ann Brown of DeFuniak Springs, FL; Darlene McClure, Tucson, AZ.

Dedicated spiritual guides and healthcare providers:  

Rev. Earl Tyler, Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Home Aides --Neosha McClean, Columbus, GA, & Maria Hull, Plano, TX; Martha Gay & Brenda Moore, Ft. Mitchell, AL; Mary Thompson, Columbus, GA.

Hospital staff at Texas Oncology, Allen, TX; Columbus Hospice, Columbus, GA; Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital-Midtown, Columbus, GA.

Carolyn also leaves a host of grieving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends to treasure her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society and that you perform random acts of kindness in honor of Carolyn Barnhill.