Barbara King Carey, 85, passed away peacefully October 2, 2020, after a long battle with multiple systems atrophy.
Born in Decatur October 12, 1934, Carey attended Decatur Girls High School and North Georgia State College, graduating in biology and chemistry. In a span of 40 years, she worked at Clark and Daughtrey and Lakeland Regional Hospital with her career culminating in the pathology department of Lakeland Regional Hospital as supervisor in radioimmunoassay.
Many knew Carey as active and fun-loving, always helping and a generous spirit. She enjoyed many actives, scuba diving, sailing, running, getting her pilots license, cycling, travel, yoga, and teaching youngers and adults to read. With friends, she traveled the world touring on her bicycle in the United States, Canada, Europe, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. Carey competed in endurance cycling, excelling in the senior games as an age group national champion, amongst other accomplishments. Past her cycling years, she enjoyed tours of Central and South America as well as the Middle East.
Late in life, Carey took up the hammered dulcimer, playing hours with friends and for social events in and around the Lakeland area. The music and challenge of improving gave her many hours of pleasure playing her dulcimer.
Carey took leadership positions with Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Florida Folk, Polk Area Bicycle Association, and as chairperson for the Citizens Advisory Committee for Bicycles and Pedestrians. As an avid reader, she volunteered her time to help children and adults learn to read through the R.W. Blake Academy and READ Lakeland.
Carey is predeceased by the love of her life, Bill Carey; her father, John Ray King; mother, Frances Mathews King; and son, Benjamin Norman.
Survivors include her sister, Annelle (Nick) Herrington; daughter, Katherine (Robert); and grandchildren, Meghan and Hayden.
A memorial service and picnic will be held April 3, 2021 at 12, noon, at Peterson Park in the Eagle’s Nest Pavilion, 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1317 George Jenkins Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815; the Brain Support Network, PO BOX 7264, Menlo Park, CA; or Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL. 32778.
