LAKELAND, Fla. — Carol Jenkins Barnett, former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities and daughter of company founder George W. Jenkins, died late Tuesday in her home, Publix Super Markets announced in a statement Wednesday.

Jenkins Barnett, 65, had been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

Her family surrounded her at the time of her passing, according to Publix.

Jenkins Barnett, born and raised in Lakeland, started her Publix career in 1972 as a cashier at Grove Park Shopping Center in Lakeland and later worked in Publix’s corporate marketing research and development department. In 1983, she was elected to the Publix board of directors and served for 33 years. In 1983, she joined the foundation’s board of directors, which would later become Publix Super Markets Charities.

“The Publix family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great humanitarian and community advocate,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “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.”

Jenkins Barnett and her husband, Barney, have funded numerous community nonprofits and projects — including Barnett Park, and the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health. Her final philanthropic gift was the founding of Bonnet Springs Park.   

Jenkins Barnett is survived by her husband, Barney Barnett; two sons, Wesley Barnett (Ashley Bell Barnett) and Nicholas Barnett (Ashley Gibson Barnett); three grandchildren and many other family members. The family has requested privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. For those unable to attend or if the church reaches capacity, the service will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bonnet Springs Park.