Carolyn Harbin

Carolyn Joyce Harbin (Kinard) January 29, 1949 - January 2, 2026 Carolyn Joyce Harbin (Kinard), 76, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. While a plan had been made to say goodbye later that day, Carolyn - ever creative and known for not always following the "standard plan" - decided she was ready. She took her final breath on her own terms and in her own time, departing with the same gentle independence that guided her entire life.

A lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa, Carolyn's heart belonged in the classroom. During her many years with the Tuscaloosa County School System, the 3rd grade was her favorite. She was a one-of-a-kind educator who looked for the children who needed her most, not only inside the classroom but on the bus as well. Whether it was letting a little boy sit by her to help "operate" the bus doors, helping a shy child find their confidence, or showing a misunderstood student a brand of grace they could only find in her room, she made sure every child felt they belonged. Her classroom was filled with tradition; she loved celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day with apple tastings, and she loved to play The Polar Express for her students, giving each one a silver bell necklace to carry home. Carolyn's faith was the melody of her life. She loved to recreate God's creation through painting and expressed her love for the Lord through the keys of her piano and singing in the choir. She always looked forward to the day she could sing with the angel choir, and her family takes great comfort in knowing that she is finally adding her voice to that heavenly sound. She has joined her beloved infant son, Daniel Harbin, and her father, Talmadge Kinard, in heaven.

She is survived by her husband, George Harbin, her mother, Martha Kinard, her children, David Harbin (Leigh), Sandra Harbin Chapman, and Darrell Harbin (Melanie), her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Valerie; Brooke (Gracie, Travis, Olivia); Ashley (Keeleigh, Rowan); Emily (Maddie, Kathryn, Noah); Michael (Trevor, Trey); Chelsey (Kaitlyn, Colton, Presley, Jet, Anna Michael); Mark (Ella); Elizabeth (Oliver); Ada (Maya, Abby); Conner; and Matthew. her brother, Phillip Kinard, her faithful companion, Her dog, Little Man, and a host of extended family and dear friends, as well as generations of students whose lives were shaped in her classroom.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: Michael Harbin, Mark Harbin, Matthew Harbin, Conner Harbin, Robbie Smith, Drew Doss, and Alex Hughes. Honorary Pallbearers are Tuscaloosa Fire Department, Alabama Fire College, Oak Grove Baptist Church (Pastor Gene Jordan), Crestline Baptist Church (Pastor Clay Womble), Englewood Baptist Church (Pastor Bill Richards), Friendship Baptist Church, Taylorville Baptist Church, Big Sandy Methodist Church, Taylorville Methodist Church, and Church of the Highlands.