Barnett, Carrie Whittaker
Carrie Whitaker Barnett, age 97, of White Gate, Virginia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 29, 2026. Born on June 2, 1929, Carrie lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service to others. Her faith was the foundation of her life. Every day began with her Bible, and one of the verses she cherished most was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She didn’t just read God’s Word-she lived it.
Carrie never met a stranger. She loved visiting with friends and neighbors and had a special heart for the elderly. She often spent time sitting with them so they wouldn’t feel alone-offering companionship, a listening ear, and a warm smile that made their day a little brighter. She found joy in life’s simple blessings-singing, playing the spoons when she was younger, cooking for her family, working puzzle books, listening to music, tending her garden, and admiring her beautiful roses. Purple was her favorite color, and she always looked forward to having her hair done each week. A hot cup of coffee and something sweet always made her day a little brighter.
Carrie loved to sing gospel. Her voice lifted hearts and brought glory to God. Whether at church, at home, or with family and friends, singing was one of the ways she shared her faith and her joy. Carrie was loving, yet stern when needed, and she never believed in sugarcoating the truth. You always knew where you stood with her, but everything she did came from a place of love.
Her greatest joy was her family. She celebrated every milestone, offered wisdom through life’s challenges, and prayed faithfully for those she loved. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
She is lovingly survived by her children: Carol Gardner (Sam), Kenneth “Darrell” Riggs (Shauna), Victoria “Vicky” Riggs (James), Annette Lucas (Rodney), and Harold “Skeets” Riggs (dec). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: CAROL’S FAMILY, Jody Gardner (Lindsay) and Dale Alexa; KENNETH “DARRELL”S FAMILY, Pamela King (David) and Amy Shackelford (John). VICTORIA’S FAMILY, Stephanie Oxendine (Ortagus), Marc Wiseman (Shelby) and Monica Wiseman. ANNETTE’S FAMILY, Annette was blessed with a different kind of motherhood. As an aunt, she became a constant source of love, laughter, guidance, and support. Every niece and nephew knew they could count on her, and she loved and supported each of us as if we were her own. She holds a special place in all of our hearts. JODY’S FAMILY, Jadon and Logan. HAROLD “SKEETS’S” FAMILY, Alan Riggs and Sheena Riggs (dec). She also leaves behind her 16 cherished great-grandchildren: Jadon, Logan, Ronin, Aryanna, Asya, Anaya, Cole, Brianna, Destiny, Isaiah, Cheyenne, Kayleigh, Draven, Amelia, Lilyana, and Charlie. Along with numerous great-grandchildren, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Her love for her family was endless. Her strength was quiet but unwavering. Her faith was steadfast. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks for your love, prayers, and support during this time of loss.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Carrie’s memory, at www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html.
The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kenneth Alley officiating. Entombment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Dublin.
The Barnett family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinfuneralhome.com
