Carolyn Mae Barr

PARIS - Carolyn Mae Barr, 86, Cypress Street, widow of W.J. Barr, died Wed, June 15, 2011 at Bourbon Heights. She was born April 26, 1925 in Paris where she lived all her life, daughter of the late Everett Hanson and Hattie Mae Neal West. Carolyn was a graduate of Paris High School, attended the University of Kentucky, and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church serving in many capacities including member of the Official Board, Pastor-Parish Committee, Trustee, and United Methodist Women Circle Chairman. She served two terms as vice president of Lexington District Kentucky Conference United Methodist Women, a charter member and past president of Blue Grass Garden Club and was an avid gardener. Carolyn held a broker's license with the Kentucky Real Estate Board and had been a staff writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader and Paris Daily Enterprise. After her husband's death, she started a catering business, opening her home, the Barr House, for weddings and parties and was very successful in the venture. She is survived by three sons, William James (Frances) Barr III, Savannah, GA, Cary (Elizabeth) Barr, Lexington, Robert Hanson (Lesley) Barr, Lexington; and five grandchildren, Carrie Elizabeth Barr, William Sanford Barr, Robert Daniel Barr, Elizabeth West Barr, and Emma Caroline Barr. A son, Peter Neal Barr, preceded her in death. "Her strength and tenacity are legendary and she lived as she died - with love and hope." Funeral services will be 1pm Mon, June 20, at the First United Methodist Church by her son, Rev. Robert H. Barr and Rev. Jerri Williams with burial in the Paris Cemetery. Casket bearers will be William James Barr III, Cary Barr, Robert Barr, David Lykins, Maurice Lykins, William S. Barr, Daniel Barr, David O'Neill, Jim O'Neill, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ben Basone. Honorary bearers will be Gary Nguyen, Steve Lewis, Bill T. McConnell, Dr. Philip Hoffman, Joe Rosenberg Jr., Guy Ormsby, and the administrative and nursing staff at Bourbon Heights. Visitation will be at the Barr House, 1200 Cypress Street, on Sun from 4-7pm and after 11am Mon at the church. Memorials are suggested to Bourbon Heights or First United Methodist Church. www.hinton-turnerfuneralhome.com