Carolyn "Mimi" Barrett

Carolyn “Mimi” Barrett of Winter Park, Florida passed away peacefully into the hands of her Lord on May 29, 2024 while surrounded by loved ones.

Carolyn was born on March 15, 1941 to Robert and Laura in Hudsonville, Mississippi. She grew up on a Mississippi farm with her four siblings and played varsity basketball at Holly High School.  Carolyn later graduated from The Mississippi State College for Women (The W) in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Carolyn met the love of her life (Carl “Popsi” Barrett) in 1960 at a street dance in Columbus, Mississippi.  They were married in Holly Springs, Mississippi three years later and they raised two children together. The young family often moved around the country until ultimately settling in Orlando, FL.

Carolyn initially worked as a substitute teacher in the Orange County school district. However, her true commitment was math—particularly Geometry and Algebra.   Carolyn spent the last 20 years of her career teaching mathematics at William R. Boone High School, where she made a huge impact on students and faculty both in and outside of the classroom. Her most challenging and rewarding responsibility was serving as Junior Class Sponsor (which included coordinating the Homecoming Dance and Junior-Senior Prom each year).  

Carolyn had many passions in life beyond her family and career. She was an active member of her congregation Conway United Methodist Church, where she participated in women’s circle, youth counseling, and the blanket ministry.

Carolyn’s passion for basketball was evident—as a season ticket holder she cheered passionately for the Orlando Magic basketball team. She was also adventurous with many outdoor activities including: fishing, snorkeling, lobstering, water-skiing, snow-skiing, camping, hiking and white-water rafting. She also enjoyed planning and organizing boat trips for her group of friends and family that affectionately called themselves the Sea Bees. Carolyn also loved to travel both within the United States and abroad with Carl, her husband of 61 years.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings. She is survived by her husband, her two children, and four grandchildren who adored and loved their “Mimi.” Carolyn was known as Mrs. Barrett to so many of her students and now also as “Mimi” to many young adults whose lives have been positively impacted by her smile, kindness, wisdom, and adventurous spirit.

Carolyn’s Celebration of Life will be held at Colonial Funeral Home—located at 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Visitation will be from 10 am - 12 pm with a service following from 12-1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests letters (emails, texts, etc.) of remembrance and any heart-felt donations can be in her memory to the Russell Home For Atypical Children at 510 Holden Avenue Orlando, FL 32839 (https://russellhome.org/).