Lollie Barbare Eykyn

Lollie Barbare Eykyn, 79, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 8, 1947, Lollie grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She later moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she met the love of her life, Donald Gerard Eykyn. Together, they eventually made their way to Columbia, South Carolina, where they put down roots and built their life and family.

Lollie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Donald Gerard Eykyn; her father, Ralph Carsbol Barbare; and her mother, Polly West Barbare.

Lollie was an exceptional mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend who touched the lives of countless people. Her greatest joy was her family. Her only daughter, Elizabeth “Liza” Eykyn Shettle, was her “miracle.” She was incredibly proud of Liza and adored her son-in-law, Alec Shettle, and her three grandchildren, Carson, Eli, and Collins Shettle.

Lollie shared an extraordinarily special bond with her identical twin sister, Polly Barbare Adkins. The two were inseparable throughout their lives, often finishing each other’s sentences and sharing a connection that was difficult to put into words. They always said they were “one,” and those who knew them could see just how deeply true that was. Lollie also leaves behind her beloved brother, Drayton “Tony” West Barbare.

Education and teaching were a huge part of Lollie’s life. She attended Winthrop Training School for elementary, middle, and high school, where she formed friendships that remained important to her throughout her life. She went on to attend Winthrop University, earning a bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature, with credits from La Sorbonne, Université de Paris. She later earned a master’s degree in French Studies, with credits from Université Laval in Québec, followed by a Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education from the University of South Carolina.

Lollie devoted 25 years to teaching French at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. She had a genuine passion for her students and for sharing her love of the French language and culture. She traveled to Paris many times with her students and family, creating memories that she treasured throughout her life. France held a special place in her heart, and her love of the language, culture, travel, and teaching was woven into so much of who she was.

Above all, Lollie will be remembered for the love she gave so freely—to her family, her students, her friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel loved and valued, and the relationships she built throughout her life were among her greatest treasures. She also had a special love for animals and loved all of God’s creatures, great and small, finding joy in the many pets who were part of her life.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, friendship, education, and a life beautifully lived.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Valhalla Woods Golf Club (formerly The Woodlands) on Sunday, August 23rd from 2:00–4:00 PM, 100 Norse Way Columbia, SC 29229.

A private interment will be held at the Memorial Belltower Columbarium on the campus of The Citadel in Charleston, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Lollie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.