Barbara Allyson McCarthy

BARBARA ALLYSON McCARTHY, 62 went to dance and sing on the streets of heaven on Friday, May 24, 2024 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Her loss was completely unexpected and her family, friends and co-workers are profoundly saddened.

A native of Aiken County, Allyson was born in 1962 in Aiken County to the late Douglas Rudolph McCarthy and Virginia Johnson Padgett. She grew up in Aiken County and in 1980 and became a Pipe-fitter apprentice with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 150 in September of 1986. She completed her apprenticeship and excelled when she became a fitter/welder. This opportunity lead to her professional career as a beloved Field Construction Engineer at the Savannah River Site for Bechtel, Parsons and SRMC.

Allyson was an avid outdoors woman who thrived when she was in a boat, kayak, green house and metal detecting. She loved to read, garden, sing, sketch, draw, play the guitar and drums. Allyson loved fast cars and mustangs while priding herself as an owner of her dream car a 1968 convertible mustang.

She had qualities of unconditional love, strength and generosity to a wide network of loved ones and multiple animals.

In reflection of her life, Allyson wanted to leave behind this message “Thank you to all my friends for always listening to me sing and create music, and to my mom, for always being there for me.”

Allyson was preceded in death by her stepfather James Padgett, her mother Virginia Johnson Padgett and her father Douglas Rudolph McCarthy.

Survivors include her loving wife whom she has been with for 14 years, April Carroll; a stepdaughter, Shondel McBurney, her son, Kohen McBurney; two sisters, Susan Dunbar (Rick), West Union, SC, Cindy Johnston (Russ) New Jersey; a brother Mike McCarthy (Debbie); several nieces and nephews, Erik McCarthy, Chris McCarthy, Rees McCarthy, Kelly Godfrey, Robbie Baxter; her beloved cats Charli, Little Bit, Timmy, Cat Cat, and Ava along with her canine companions, Sophie and Gracie.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and nursing staff that provided round the clock care for Allyson and April.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, June 1st beginning at 2 o'clock at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home.  A memorial service will follow at 3 o'clock with Dede Jameson officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Humane Society of McCormick County,  https://www.hsmcsc.org/donate/donate-now .  Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LG RD. AIKEN, SC. 29803