Carolyn Sydnor Barnard

Carolyn Sydnor Barnard, 84, of Powhatan, VA passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. The youngest of four children, she was born on March 7, 1941, in Richmond, VA to Walton Kirkham and Marie Sydnor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walton and Marie Sydnor and by her siblings, June Culbreth, Walton Kirkham Sydnor, Jr., and Ann Britton. She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of 61 years, William Glen Barnard, Sr.; children, Lisa B. Hobson (Ron), William Glen Barnard, Jr. (Jessica), Deborah L. Barnard; her grandchildren, Kirkham (Brooke), Kayla, Ana, Will; Amanda, William; Jessee (Shiona) and Joshua (Emma), and her great-grandchildren, Verity, Felicity, Emery, Avi and another great-granddaughter expected in February; and many loved nieces and nephews. Carolyn attended Mars Hill College and Carson Newman College, graduating with a degree in Education with a minor in Bible. She taught 5th grade at G. H. Reid Elementary School until deciding to stay home to raise her children. Carolyn met Bill Barnard in 1960 while both were working at Peoples Drug Store. They were married in 1964 and enjoyed many years together raising three children. In later years, they attended many of their grandchildren’s extracurricular events. Carolyn was a loyal and kindhearted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her faith in Jesus was evident. Carolyn’s joy in life was spending time with family, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bill was a very faithful and attentive caregiver during her final years. In her last days, Carolyn was intentional in communicating her love to her family and was at peace with death because of her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. A private visitation and interment at Greenwood Memorial Park were held on January 7, 2026. Memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to Grove Church (8701 Ridge Road, Richmond, VA 23229) or Powhatan Fire and Rescue (3910 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, VA 23139.)