Sis. Carrie Elizabeth Rowan Barksdale, age 98, of Harriman, Tennessee, departed this life on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was born on June 16, 1927, to the late Blanche Rowan and the late Charlie Murdock. She was surrounded by her loving daughters, Darlene Johnson and Trellis Barksdale, who were also her caregivers.

Mrs. Barksdale lived a life anchored in faith and guided by love. As the oldest and one of the most faithful members of the Sevier Drive Church of Christ, Harriman, TN, she served tirelessly in countless roles, leaving a spiritual imprint that will be felt for generations. Her vision and obedience to God led her to establish the Ladies Inspiration Day fifty one years ago, an enduring ministry that uplifted women and churches throughout Tennessee and Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Marcellus Barksdale; half brother, Charles William Kimbrough; half sister, Dee Stafford; daughter, Eleece Barksdale McCleskey; son, Val Barksdale; daughter, Phadra Barksdale Hanks, son- in-laws Gary McMahan, Tommy McCleskey, and grandson Albert Marcellus Hanks; She leaves to cherish her memories her four loving daughters, Darlene (Charles) Johnson of Oak Ridge, TN, Marcia McMahan of Nashville, TN, Trellis Barksdale of Oak Ridge, TN, Sharrieffa Barksdale of Indianapolis, IN; a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and cousins. Special cousins Alice Pettus, Oak Ridge, TN, and Ennis Sumrell, Raleigh, NC, and a host of friends.

Mrs. Barksdale was affectionately known by many who knew her as Ms. CarrieLizabeth and Ms. Carrie. She was a pillar of faith, service, and compassion. A devoted wife to the late Marcellus Barksdale of Paris, TN. Mrs. Barksdale was the proud mother of seven children, six daughters and one son, and carried the strength of widowhood with grace and unwavering devotion since 1970.
During her years at Campbell High School in Rockwood, she was engaged in many activities and built lasting friendships that reflected her outgoing and dedicated nature.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Barksdale demonstrated dedication and perseverance in her professional work. Her career included employment at the Federal Bakery Shop, the Tennessee School of Beauty, and the Oak Ridge Racquet Club, as well as meaningful work in private homes in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she was valued for her trustworthiness, care, and strong character.

Mrs. Barksdale was blessed to travel both abroad and throughout the United States, enriching her life with meaningful experiences and cultural discovery.

One of her most profound and unforgettable journeys was to Jerusalem, the Holy Land. There, she walked the Via Dolorosa, the sacred path where Jesus carried His cross before His crucifixion. She often shared that this experience deeply touched her heart and spirit, calling it one of the most emotional and sacred moments of her life.

Mrs. Barksdale’s dedication did not go unnoticed. She received numerous accolades and awards, just to name a few. In 1997, she was honored at the Hwy 27 Church of Christ in Summerville, GA, for her commitment and dedication to the Ladies Inspiration Day.

In 1998, she was presented with the Key to the City by the late Harriman City Mayor Harold Wester, an honor symbolizing her remarkable impact on her hometown and the countless lives she touched.

Mrs. Barksdale was honored during the 40th Annual Ladies Inspiration Day at the Sevier Drive Church of Christ in 2015, for her loyalty and selfless service. Tributes poured in from former Governor Bill Haslam, former Harriman City Mayor Chris Mason, and State Senator Ken Yager, recognizing her influence, her writings, and her lifelong commitment to faith and community.

Mrs. Barksdale received other awards, including the Pioneer Christian Award, Chattanooga, TN. This award pays tribute to the most faithful, dedicated, and committed sisters and brothers in Tennessee. The Hard Fighting Soldier Award at the Tennessee State Lectureship in Gatlinburg, TN. In 2017, she received another Key to the City in honor of her 90th birthday from current Harriman City Mayor Wayne Best, Harriman, TN.

In heartfelt recognition of her lifelong service and love for the community, Mrs. Barksdale was designated a GOLDEN TREASURE by Roane County on November 10, 2022, during Roane County Founder’s Day. Her life and legacy remain a priceless gift to all she touched.

Following her Golden Treasure honor, she was also awarded an official Proclamation from the Tennessee Senate signed by Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and State Senator Ken Yager, recognizing her remarkable service and lasting impact in her community.

Mrs. Barksdale extended far beyond the church walls. She served as a counselor for the Tennessee State Youth Conference, nurtured young athletes through the Knoxville Track Club, serving as treasurer, where her daughter Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale ran track under the leadership of the late Olympian Ralph Boston, sang soprano in the Roane County Choral Society, volunteered at the former Harriman Hospital as a Pink Lady, served as a representative for the March of Dimes, and served as a board member to Keep Roane Beautiful. Mrs. Barksdale worked diligently to uplift and beautify her community. She gave her time, her voice, and her spirit wherever there was a need.

Mrs. Barksdale was known not only for her service, but for her gentle wisdom, encouraging words, warm smile, and steadfast belief in others, especially young people and those who felt discouraged or forgotten. She had a rare gift, the ability to make people feel seen, valued, and inspired.

She lived with purpose, faith, humility, and joy. Her life was a testimony of perseverance, kindness, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and community.

Her legacy will forever live in the hearts of those she loved and served.

Mrs. Barksdale often reminded others,
“Work for the Lord. The pay may not be great, but the retirement is out of this world.”

And now, she has received her eternal reward.

Visitation will be held at the Harriman High School Gymnasium, 920 N. Roane Street, Harriman, TN 37748, Saturday, January 31, 2026. Receiving of friends 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral Service 1:00 PM. Bro. John R. Taylor, Sr., Minister, East Third St., Church of Christ Chattanooga, TN, officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sevier Drive Church of Christ P.O. Box 158 Harriman, TN. 37748.

The Barksdale Family Wishes to thank Hospice
We sincerely thank the Methodist Medical Home Care Hospice Staff, including Dr. Margaret Cook and her nursing team, for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to our beloved mother, Mrs. Carrie Barksdale.
Thank you for your dedication and support.

Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Barksdale Family.