Sharon "Shay" Barnett, 72, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully from complications related to a stroke she suffered in 2019. Born February 23, 1952, in Yuba City, California, she was the eldest daughter of the late Alden and Mitzi Barber.

A proud graduate of Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Shay was a member of the Class of 1970. She attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, before transferring to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1974.

She was a dedicated professional in the healthcare industry for 25 years, serving in various HR executive roles at Tri-Centurian, Kershaw County Medical Center, and Providence Hospital.

An accomplished equestrian, Shay competed in hunter-jumper and dressage events during her teen years in New Jersey and as an adult in the Carolinas. In 2002, she turned her passion for horses into a second career, founding Shaybird Farm in Camden, South Carolina. At Shaybird Farm, Shay enriched the lives of countless students, teaching riding lessons and sharing her love for horses. The farm was also home to her cherished pets, including her beloved corgis: Barkley, Nellie, and Cody.

Shay found joy in gathering with family and friends, especially during the Holidays. A six-year stroke survivor, her resilience and positive spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Shay will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her strength, kindness, and the joy she brought to so many lives.

She is survived by her daughter, Leeanne Barnett Casper; her son-in-law, Drew Casper; grandsons Landon and Riley Casper; her brother, Mark Barber; her sisters, Susan Leamons (Greg) and Maryann Mohn, loving nephews and friends. Shay is predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Jerry Mohn.

The visitation will be held on Friday, February 21st, from 6:00-8:00pm at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. Her memorial service will be held Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00am at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel with a celebration of Shay's life being held at the National Steeplechase Museum in Camden, SC (200 Knights Hill Road) from 2:30-6:30pm following the memorial service on February 22nd.

A livestream of Shay's memorial service will be available by visiting the CURRENT WEBCAST tab at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association in support of their efforts to reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke ( www.heart.org )


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