Kathlyn Flynt Barksdale

Kathlyn Flynt Barksdale (1926-2024) Barksdale, Kathlyn Flynt January 28,1926 - November 25, 2024. Kathlyn spread love wherever she went. Born in Crawfordville Georgia to Kathleen Mitchell Flynt and Wales T. Flynt, Kathlyn grew up riding horses with her father, and playing with her cousins at her Big Kitty's house. She attended North Georgia College and graduated from the University of Georgia. Under the Arches at UGa, she met the love of her life, A.R.(Gus) Barksdale. She taught in Atlanta Public Schools, and in 1949, she and Gus married and made their home in Conyers. A loving and devoted wife and mother, she created a warm home, cooked amazing meals, and fostered a love of family. She was down to earth and authentic with a keen dry wit and a great teacher of strength and resilience. Kathlyn was a member of the Conyers Civic League and devoted member of Conyers Presbyterian Church. She and Gus were a great team, and her events at the log cabin on the Barksdale Farm made beautiful memories for many. Kathlyn was a lifelong advocate for the Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD) population. Her son Brett was born with Down Syndrome and she and Gus worked tirelessly to advocate for access to special education in the Public Schools. Kathlyn even obtained her license so she could be a substitute bus driver to drive special ed students to DeKalb County, which had the only special ed classes at that time. She was involved in the first Special Olympics in Georgia and she and a group of dedicated citizens started Rockdale Cares to provide respite services for the IDD population. Following the death of her beloved husband Gus in 1987, Kathlyn led her family business, Flynt Lumber Company and served on several Boards, including Clayton State College. She was a hard worker and a creative, strategic thinker. A lifelong learner and an avid reader, she enjoyed traveling the world and was eager to learn from other cultures. In her later years, she enjoyed playing gin rummy with the grandchildren, solitaire and looking at the cows on the farm. Kathlyn was preceded in death by her beloved Gus and her dear son, Brett. She is survived by her sons Wales Flynt Barksdale (Angela), Augustus Randolph Barksdale (Gail), and daughter Kathleen Mitchell Barksdale; Grandchildren Kathy Giles (Stephen), Reagan Barksdale (Taylor), Jay Barksdale (Lisa), Blair Barksdale, Guinn Shropshire (Clayton), Flynt Barksdale (Dana), Kathlyn Pattillo, Gus Pattillo, Ali Pattillo; and 16 Great grandchlldren, cousins, nieces and nephews. Kathlyn was love personified. Her mottos were "Love the Unlovable" and "If you can't say anything nice about somebody, don't say anything at all." She lived her faith. Kathlyn spread love and inclusivity wherever she went and her spirit of love lives on. The family is grateful for the support of family and friends, and for the commitment and dedication of her caregivers in recent years. Kathlyn's life will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 11:00 am at Conyers Presbyterian Church, 911 North Main Street, Conyers 30012 Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Scot Ward Funeral Home in Conyers. In lieu of flowers, you may consider a gift to either: Conyers Presbyterian Church, 911 North Main Street, Conyers, GA 30012; The Kathlyn F. Barksdale and Carolyn B. Frey Community Center at Soaring Heights, www.soaringheights.org; or Brett Works, 371 Gees Mill Parkway, Suite 600, Conyers, GA 30013

Kathlyn Flynt Barksdale

January 28, 1926 - November 25, 2024