Publix Heiress, Philanthropist Dies Of Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

LAKELAND, FL — Publix heiress and philanthropist Carol Jenkins Barnett died Tuesday night surrounded by family at her home, a company press release said.

Barnett, 65, died from younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was diagnosed with the illness in 2016.

She grew up in Lakeland and is the daughter of the late George W. Jenkins, who founded the Publix grocery store chain based in Lakeland, Florida. Starting her career with the grocery store in 1972 as a cashier, Barnett eventually moved to the company’s corporate office, working in marketing research and development.

She earned a bachelor’s in marketing and business from Florida Southern College in 1979.

Barnett served on the Publix board of directors from 1983-2006.

“The Publix family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great humanitarian and community advocate,” Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a statement. “In addition to her service at Publix, Carol Jenkins Barnett made significant contributions to many nonprofit 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 and her husband, Barney, are philanthropists who gave money to nonprofit organizations including the United Way and Family Fundamentals. Her final philanthropic gift was the founding of Bonnet Springs Park.

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.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. For those unable to attend or if the church reaches capacity, the service will be livestreamed https://livestream.com/fumclakeland. An icon for the service will be placed on the page; click the link on Saturday to view.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bonnet Springs Park, bonnetspringspark.com.