Carolyn Conaway Barnett, of Henderson, KY, and Evansville, IN, passed away peacefully on June10, 2024, at her home on Zion Rd. in Henderson.

She was born on November 15, 1935, in Henderson to the late Francis Robinson and Bolyn Hoffman Conaway.  She grew up in Evansville with her three siblings.

Carolyn was a graduate of Bosse High School class of 1953.  She graduated from the University of Evansville in 1957 with a BA degree in Education, English and Journalism.  A member of Chi Omega sorority, she served as President and actively participated as an Alum throughout her life.  While attending the University of Evansville, Carolyn was a cheerleader and columnist and photographer for the College newspaper.  Her interest in the arts continued to the theater department where she had the lead role in three college plays.  Carolyn was most proud of being honored as Campus Leader and Notable, Who's Who recipient, Lamba Chi Sweetheart, Air Force ROTC Queen, Armed Forces Queen of Evansville where she was crowned at the Old Armory by movie star William Lundigan.

Carolyn married Owen Barnett of Henderson in 1957 and had three children:  Enda Barnett Chester, Lisa Barnett Youngclaus and Bill Barnett.

Carolyn taught in the Henderson County school system for many years, serving as Chair of the English Department at the Middle School and widely known as the "Grammar Teacher."  She also coached the drama team and encouraged creative writing and journalism.

Following her career in Education, Carolyn opened her own business, Carolyn's Fashions.  Her specialty fashions were in demand for style shows throughout the Evansville area at venues such as the Petroleum Club, hotels, and private homes.  All Carolyn's Fashions shows were charitable events raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for The Easter Seals of Vanderburg County, Junior Mental Health, St. Mary's Hospital, Deaconess Heart Center, and more.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Owen Barnett; her grandson, Connor Barnett; her sister, Mary Anne Conaway; her sister-in-law, Rosemary Conaway; her nephew, Bo Conaway, and son-in-law, William Youngclaus III.  Her partner and companion, Jerry Newhouse, also preceded her in death in 2020, following 14 years of a loving relationship.

Carolyn Conaway Barnett is survived by her children, Enda Chester, Lisa Barnett Youngclaus, and Bill Barnett and his wife, Tody; grandchildren, Kristen Chester, Drew Barnett, and William Youngclaus IV; her brother, Ret. Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway and his wife, Linda; her sister, Jane Toth (John); and nieces and nephews.

Services will be at noon Friday, June 14, 2024, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  The Reverend John Brumfiel will officiate.  Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Easter Seals of Evansville or St. Anthony's Hospice of Henderson.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.