Carol Coxe Barnes' Obituary
Carol Coxe Barnes — remembered for her grace, intelligence, and servant’s heart — passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on February 25, 2026, in her home at the Jordan River Health Campus in Collierville, Tennessee.
Born on November 21, 1935, in St. Augustine, Florida, Carol was the elder of two daughters born to Curtis Carlisle Coxe and Naomi Ensor Coxe. Her father was a prominent estate attorney, and her mother a beloved high school science teacher. Carol graduated from Ketterlinus High School in 1953, where she left an early mark as the editor of the school newspaper.
While studying at the University of Florida, Carol met her lifelong partner, George Barnes. The two married during their college years, embarking on a journey spanning more than seven decades. In 1968, after living in four different states, they settled in the Greater Memphis area, the community they would call home for the next 58 years.
A distinguished educator for more than 40 years, Carol held a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Education degree from the University of Memphis. Her career was marked by significant leadership, serving as the Lower School Principal at Lausanne Collegiate School and later as the Lead Teacher for The Bodine School, where she was a steadfast advocate for students with learning disabilities.
Carol’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Becoming a dedicated member of Germantown Presbyterian Church upon first moving to Tennessee, she served as an elder on the Church Session, a Stephen Ministries leader, and head of Presbyterian Women. Her commitment to service extended into her civic life through her involvement with the Memphis Women’s Exchange and the Germantown Women’s Club.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carol was a woman of vibrant interests and strong friendships. She was an avid bridge player, a lover of cats, and a frequent guest at the symphony and local theaters alongside George and their close circle of friends. A voracious reader and member of three book clubs, she took great pleasure in reading the complete works of her favorite authors, including Dickens, Twain, Faulkner, Welty, and Hemingway. Together with George, she traveled the world, exploring the history and cultures of Portugal, Russia, Romania, China, Thailand, and beyond.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband, George; her dear sister, Mary Coxe Thrift; her daughters, Lisa Barnes Lampman (Scott) and Julia Anne Barnes; and her beloved grandchildren, Otilia and Joseph.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Germantown Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 24, at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Carol's memory:
· Germantown Presbyterian Church: 2363 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138
· The Bodine School: 2432 Yester Oaks Dr, Germantown, TN 38139
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