Carline B. Barnwell

"If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s." Romans 14:8

Carline Boykin Barnwell completed her earthly baptism and has joined all the saints immortal. Born in Wilson County NC, on January 9, 1929, the daughter of the late Grover and Mattie Boykin, she died peacefully on Thursday, June 25th attended by her beloved daughters, Gail Barnwell Funderburk and Susan Barnwell Adams.

While nearly all of her adult life was spent in SC, she always fondly recalled her NC roots. She graduated from Rock Ridge High, Wilson County NC and received an associated degree in accounting/bookkeeping from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson NC. Following her graduation, with great courage and determination, she moved to Raleigh NC where she secured employment at a manufacturing supply company. In Raleigh, she met the love her life, George Barnwell, and they were married in May 1950. They enjoyed nearly 10 wonderful years together until George’s sudden death in December 1959. As a young widow with two small daughters, Carline set her shoulders to the task of raising these children who were literally “her world”. With the love and support of her family and friends, especially her younger brother Grover Boykin and Faye and Rudy Phillips, she saw both of them to adulthood with love, devotion and an abiding faith that all would “be well”.

For more than 40 years she worked in various accounting roles at Columbia Supply Company, retiring at 65. In retirement she gardened, maintained her home, volunteered with various organizations and became a “taxi” service for beloved friends who found themselves in need of assistance. She was always profoundly grateful she was able to serve and care for her treasured friends.

A Sunday School teacher for more than 50 years, Carline’s deep, constant faith in Jesus Christ sustained her entire life. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, West Columbia, Pineview Baptist and lastly Holland Avenue Baptist where she was beloved by the senior women’s Sunday School class. Her family is grateful for all the ministry they provided her in the last years of her life.

She was a diligent prayer warrior, always believing that God was constantly caring for us. Her prayer life was legendary and even friends of her children and family would ask for her prayers when facing challenging situations. Knowing she was lifting their needs and concerns brought everyone comfort, assurance and peace. She lived out the commandment to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.

Second only to her love of God was her love for her family. Her beloved nephew, George, called her the matriarch of our family and she was truly our cornerstone. No family gathering was complete without her. She was the consummate Granny, Aunt Shorty, Susha who showed us all how to love the children who came into our family. They adored her and her desserts, especially her famous “Dirt Cake Dessert”. They would line up for her to dish out this special treat and often we would go through more than one recipe at a family gathering. None of us will ever enjoy an Oreo without thinking of her.

She is survived by her daughters, Gail Barnwell Funderburk (Keith), Susan Barnwell Adams (Jim), granddaughter Elizabeth Funderburk Tison (Chris), grandsons, Noah Kirby Tison and Samuel Keith Tison, sister-in law, Nancy Boykin, nieces Becky Boykin Hamm, (Bruce), Darlene Whitley Pittman (Bruce), Tamara Boykin Howle (Jeff) and nephew, George Grover Boykin (Paige) as well as great nieces Gina, Mary Ashley, Elise, Georgia and great nephews Greg and Luke. She was preceded in death by sister, Marie Boykin Whitley and her brother Grover Peele Boykin.

A family internment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, SC at 11:00 on Tuesday, June 30, followed by a celebration of life service at 1:30 in the Chapel of the Columbia Presbyterian Community, 700 DaVega Dr, Lexington, SC. Family will greet friends following the service.

Carline’s family is grateful beyond words for the care provided Carline during her stay at the Community, especially the last 10 months where she was so lovingly cared for by the amazing staff in the Jasmine’s Place care unit. You care for our beloved mother was genuine, constant, full of grace, and brought her and her family so much peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in her memory to the Presbyterian Communities of SC (PCSC) Foundation. The foundation provides charitable care for those who can no longer pay the full cost of care.

PCSC Foundation 2817 Ashland Rd Columbia, SC 29210 office: 803-461-7832 prescommunities.org

Support our mission: Donate Now