CAROLYN BARLOW HUFFMAN
1928-2018
Carolyn Barlow Huffman was born on April 1, 1928, to Carl Anthony Barlow and Jeanette “Honey” Parker Barlow and departed this life on October 28, 2018, in the presence of her beloved husband of 67 years, the Rev. Charles H. (Chuck) Huffman, and her loving family.
Carolyn graduated with a degree in education from the University of Texas in 1950, and was a proud member of Alpha Phi sorority. She married Chuck on March 10, 1951. Their first child, Carl Barlow Huffman, died at age 6, an event that spurred his physicist father into eventual ministry and his mother into a career of writing and speaking about their Christian journey. Her first book, Bloom Where You Are (1976), sold well over 100,000 copies. Her other books were Life Between the Questions (1985) and Meditations on a Rose Garden (1995). She was an avid rosarian for many years and delighted in giving away fragrant bouquets.
While Chuck was rector at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (Austin, Tx 19731991), Carolyn played an active role in starting and leading Bible studies (“walking in God’s story”). She reveled in the fellowship of these groups, and she loved learning. In retirement, she and Chuck enjoyed the adventures of his interims in the Northeast (Christ Church, Greenwich, CT; Trinity Church, Newtown, CT; & St Mark’s Church, New Canaan, CT). She also loved being with her many friends (especially her dearest one Julia Tucker), traveling the world, playing cards, musical theatre, watching the Longhorns, playing with grandchildren, her beloved pets, and, of course, Tex-Mex. She claimed her own band of guardian angels, sending them out to watch over friends and family. Carolyn was passionate, creative, upbeat (“Don’t say no, just think about it”), grateful, and, above all, REAL.
Cherishing the memories are her husband (Rector Emeritus of St. Matthew’s Church), daughters Beth Ann Huffman Sikes (and husband Allen) of Austin, Heather Huffman Pierce (and husband Tommy) of Nashville, and Laura Huffman Powell of Austin; grandchildren Megan Sikes Hicks (and husband Ryan), Kailynn Powell Cannata (and husband Andrew), William Charles Powell, Benjamin Huffman Pierce, and Mark Charles Pierce; great-grandchildren Tommy Hicks, Charlie Hicks, Molly Hicks, and Baby Cannata (arriving February) and her brother Tony Barlow (S. Carolina). Carolyn was the family’s biggest cheerleader.
A service celebrating her life will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 10:30 in the morning at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8314 Mesa Drive, Austin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carl Barlow Huffman Scholarship Fund at the Seminary of the Southwest (501 East 32nd Street, Austin 78705) or online at ssw.edu/donations/ giving-online with “Huffman Scholarship” in the comment box.