Karol Bauer Barnes

Karol was born on September 14, 1937 in Detroit and grew up along the river in St. Clair, Michigan. She cherished and was proud of her amazing lifelong friends from her close-knit, humble community. She loved siblings; Miriam, Dorothy and Robert, and her parents Dorothy Reschke Kotcher and Albert Kotcher. Dorothy was a homemaker and Albert operated a factory that became Chrysler’s Mopar division.

After high school Karol did some modeling and attended Michigan State University. She married University of Michigan dental student James Pocklington. Always a fearless entrepreneur and doing the extraordinary, she created the children’s clothing store, The Tot Shop with her two best friends in 1965. Karol continued as one of the hardest workers any would know, and in the 1970’s she and husband Warren Stanley Bauer built one of the first water parks in the country; The Water Wiz in Columbus Georgia and then expanded the revered Veri Best Donut Shop into a popular chain.

However, her most treasured role was Mother to her children Patrick, Sara and Brian “Beeline” and as Grandmother to Claxton, Kate and Brilee. She was always so very proud of them and taught them all so much. Another role she cherished was being there for those who worked for her - she supported many endeavors and was always quietly there to assist in any way.

Respected and an inspiration to many, Karol was tough, but gentle. She gave great advice, sometimes brutally honest. She loved golf, Gin Rummy, her Bridge clubs and Bridge tournaments and was a Ruby Life Master. She was authentic and would defend friends and family to the end. She was an intense businesswoman, but very compassionate. She had the softest inside that only the closest were able to see. She loved and was loved.

Karol had health challenges over her last couple years, but she was always fearless and a fighter. Her family is very grateful to her amazing community of support and for the loving care received at Pine Pointe Hospice in her final earthly days.

She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Stan Bauer, and her partner Jack Steed. She is survived by her children; Brian “Beeline” Bauer, wife Amy, granddaughter Brilee (Atlanta, GA), Sara Pocklington Spivey, husband Mark and grandchildren Claxton and Kate (Macon, GA), Patrick Pocklington and partner Esequiel Ruelas (Nashville, TN).

A Celebration of Life for Karol will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Snow's Memorial Chapel, 1419 Bass Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, followed by the visitation at the chapel.

Burial will be Saturday at 12:00 Noon in Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia 31907.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Sunshine Foundation at Rob's Place (serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities), 477 Sunset Terrace, Forsyth, GA 31029. https://robsplaceforsyth.com/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.snowsmacon.com for the Barnes family.

Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.