Carol enjoyed life, frequently telling her beloved family to live life to the fullest, for she truly did. She loved to travel, recharging her soul at the beach and embracing the treasure of every adventure. She believed in choosing joy and frequently sought to make others’ lives better by helping, educating, and coaching them through life’s challenges. Carol was a lifelong educator, that inspired others to excel in knowledge and in character. She taught thousands of children as a classroom teacher in 2nd grade and 6th grade, before thriving as a Discoveries and Gifted and Talented instructor. She loved life, enjoyed sewing, and was an avid reader. Above all, Carol was a devout Christian and loved spending time with her mother, sister, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She was a loving and devoted spouse to Michael (Mike) Carroll Barnes and a supportive and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and daughter.
She is survived by her spouse, Mike; three sons, Creighton Kent Cathey, his wife Kelly of Bossier City, Louisiana, Casey Ryan Cathey, his wife Erin of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gregory Jon Peterson, his wife Dana of Como, Texas; four step daughters, Wendy Daniels, husband Phillip, Kami Barnes, Lori Hatcher, Carie Ebarb, husband Mike; mother, Johnnie Ray; sister, Judy Savoy; grandchildren, Cody, Kaleigh, Laura, Hudson, Everly, Vivian, Taylor, Elizabeth, Mazyn, Ziden, Emily, Erin, Landon, Madison, Connor, Grayson, Abby, Huxley, and Averie.
Pallbearers will be Cody Cathey, Chad Savoy, Chris Savoy, Mike Ebarb, Landon Ebarb, and Connor Hatcher.
The funeral service will be held at Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, Louisiana at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021. Visitation starts at 10:00 a.m. The family will be present to welcome loved ones.
Final arrangements are entrusted to the Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home of Haughton, Louisiana.
