Barbara K. Henny

Barbara Krafka Henny of Tavares, Florida passed away at age 73 on December 16, 2025, following a battle with cancer. She was born July 9, 1952 in Nuremberg, Germany to Joseph and Marie (Adams) Krafka.

Barbara graduated from LaGrange High School (GA) in 1969. In 1974, she earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Florida, In 1978, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a Masters degree in Plant Sciences.

Following graduation, Barbara moved to the Apopka area to work as a soils researcher for Ralston Purina Green Thumb Nursery and Ralston Purina Mushroom Farm.

On August 24, 1979, Barbara married the love of her life Richard (Jake) Henny. Together they opened Gem Ornamentals Landscape Plants Nursery in 1980 and operated it for 40 years. The nursery gained an international reputation for its Mandevillas and Adeniums.

In 1983, Barbara and Jake welcomed one wonderful daughter, Helen.

In addition to running the nursery business, Barbara enjoyed making mosaics and eventually taught classes through Lake County Continuing Education. She also taught Book Repair to librarians at Lake Sumter Community College and volunteered at several local libraries.

In 1999 Barbara started writing articles for gardening magazines. She was hired in 2012 as a writer for the University of Florida Agricultural Research Center in Apopka. She composed and edited scientific publications, grants and EDIS publications. Additionally, she published short fiction in several literary magazines.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 47 years Jake and by her daughter Helen and son-in-law, Justin Brozanski of Orlando, FL. She will also be missed by her sister, Karin and brother-in-law Rod Thompson of La Grange, GA.

Arrangements are by Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home of Tavares, FL. No services are planned. Remembrances can be left for the family at https://www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com