Beatrice Lea Alford Kinlaw Barnard, 95, of Blackshear, passed away Friday evening, December 29, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.
She moved to Blackshear in 1968 and opened House of Beauty by Lea where she created the most current hair styles for locals for over 40 years.
She was born September 9, 1928, in Dillon, SC to Daniel andSusie Demery Alford.
She was the mother to two sons, Danny Kinlaw and Stevie Kinlaw. She was drawn to Blackshear by the love of her life, Dan “D.D.” Barnard, a longtime resident. Through her marriage to D. D., she acquired two step-sons, Danny Barnard and Dennis Barnard, who both, along with her husband, D.D., son, Stevie, and all of her siblings, preceded her death.
She was very active in the community for years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear. She also served as President of the Ladies Lakeview Golf Association for ten years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and helped with various local activities and events over the years.
She was an avid traveler and had traveled throughout the entire United States as well as embarked on many global excursions with her close friends and traveling companions.
Survivors include her son, Danny (Sabrina) Kinlaw, Blackshear; two additional daughters-in-law, Darlene Kinlaw, Reidsville, NC and Cheryl Barnard, Blackshear; nine grandchildren, Alex Kinlaw, Shaun Kinlaw, Devin Kinlaw, Kirsten Barnard Smith (Robert), Daniel Galle (Melissa), Corbin Barnard, Sebastian Kinlaw (Niki), Katherine Kinlaw Willman (Jeremy) and Emily Kinlaw; 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the funeral home.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Bill Young, Ross Bedford, and her great-grandson, Hayden Kinlaw, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501 or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice Satilla as well as to her caregivers, Lynn Eaton, Betty Dixon and Leslie Taylor.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
