Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Carol Jenkins Barnett
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Carol Jenkins Barnett, former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities, and daughter of company founder, George W. Jenkins.
Jenkins Barnett, 65, was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She began with Publix in 1972 as a cashier at Grove Park Shopping Center in Lakeland and later worked in Publix’s corporate marketing research and development department. In 1983, she was elected to the Publix board of directors where she served for 33 years. View the Publix press release here.
In 1983, she joined the foundation’s board of directors (which would later become Publix Super Markets Charities) which instilled in her a passion for the needs of the communities Publix serves.This experience gave her a deeper understanding of her father’s interests, philosophies and goals for
philanthropic giving. Following her father’s stroke in 1989, the charity's board appointed her chair. In 1991, she was named chair and president.
Because of her philanthropic spirit, she and her husband, Barney Barnett, have been involved in generously giving back to nonprofit organizations including United Way, Florida Partnership for School Readiness, and Family Fundamentals, as well as countless others. Over the years, they have funded numerous community projects including Barnett Park, and the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health. Her final philanthropic gift was the founding of Bonnet Springs Park. Without her, Bonnet Springs Park wouldn't be a reality. We are immensely grateful for her beautiful gift that will improve the quality of life for future generations within the central Florida area. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bonnet Springs Park.