Publix heiress and philanthropist dies
December 8, 2021 - Carol Jenkins Barnett, the daughter of the founder of Publix, died at the age of 65 this week. Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. announced the departure of Barnett from the board in 2016 after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She served as president of Publix Super Market Charities. Barnett's name can be seen throughout the region. Florida Southern College, where Barnett attended school, created the Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health. Most recently, Lakeland Regional Health established the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Dec. 11 at the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. The service will also be livestreamed online.