Carol Jenkins Barnett, former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities, and daughter of company founder, George W. Jenkins, has died. In 2016, she was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
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.
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 charities board appointed her chair. In 1991, she was named chair and president.
“The Publix family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great humanitarian and community advocate,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones, in a statement. “In addition to her service at Publix, Barnett made significant contributions to many non-profit organizations and for the betterment of all children with investments in early childhood education programs. 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.”
Barnett is survived by her husband, Barney Barnett; two sons, Wesley Barnett (Ashley Bell Barnett) and Nicholas Barnett (Ashley Gibson Barnett); three grandchildren: Raleigh, Birdie, and Zoey; and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her father, George, and mother, Anne.
The family requests that donations be made in her honor to Bonnet Springs Park.