Carolyn Sue Barber Etienne

Carolyn Sue Barber Etienne

March 29, 1939 - March 12, 2025

Carolyn Sue Barber Etienne, of Gainesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully with her daughter Alisa by her side on March 12. 2025.

Sue was born on March 29, 1939 to Charles and Nell Barber in Washington, D.C.

A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt, Sue will always be remembered for her love of family, her quiet intelligence, her protectiveness of the people she loved, a huge love of animals, a wonderful sense of humor, and a sincere caring for others.

Sue had a natural ability to excel in whatever she chose to do. She attended Washington & Lee High School in Arlington, VA, graduating as the class Valedictorian. She then went on to study political science at American University in D.C.

She sewed with perfection all of her clothes until she completed high school. She had a real sense of style and fashion and was admired as the coolest aunt and mother ever by her family. Who could forget her quick wit and musical yet hearty laugh, along with her natural beauty! Sue excelled as a mother to her daughter Alisa, always thinking of her first while raising her as a single mother, and providing the best for her always.

Sue was a voracious reader and read several books per week. She especially loved her Siamese cats and always had one (or both) on her lap. She had a beautiful smile and was a beautiful person inside and out. She followed daily the latest news, especially politics and current events. She loved to travel with her daughter, sister Geri, and her nieces experiencing many fun and adventurous beach trips.

Her brilliant mind and strong work ethic led her to be a top level contracts and procurement manager at the Mitre Corporation, PRC, and Northrop Grumman companies. She worked in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Joel T. Broyhill. Sue even went back to college in her early 40's and earned her Master's degree in English Literature. She was a member of the Washington Golf & Country Club "Law Wives Club". She had a strong Christian faith and grew up as a member of the Church of Christ in Arlington, VA.

She is survived by her daughter, Alisa Bettius Crutchfield (James), her two grandchildren, Alexis and Cameron, her three nieces Susan, Linda, and Cindy, and her husband Mr. Serge Etienne of Lafayette, Louisiana. She was predeceased by her sister Mrs. Geri Wright of Elon, NC.

A celebration of life for her family and friends will be announced at a later date.