Eugenia Ann "Blondie" Howard Barnhill Brand

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Eugenia Ann “Blondie” Howard Barnhill Brand, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, who peacefully entered her eternal home on October 13, 2025 while holding the hand of her son, “little Stan”.

Ann was born in Hartsville, SC on August 14, 1943 to the late Lonnie Luther Howard and Elizabeth Catoe Howard. Ann lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. Her greatest joy came from serving others—whether through her church, her community, hosting celebrations where she prepared her amazing food and beautifully decorated tables and halls within many venues, touching so many lives, and rarely taking a moment to appreciate her acts of kindness.

A member of several churches throughout her life, Ann poured her heart into serving the Lord, being a hospice volunteer, and providing community meals. Her faith was not only spoken—it was lived daily through her generosity, and steadfast belief in the goodness of people.

Ann spent many years as a hair stylist where her gift and talent of making others look their best, was her passion. Her life was also a testament to strength and perseverance. In 1999, she courageously fought and survived stage 4 breast cancer, an experience that deepened her faith and renewed her gratitude for every single day. Then, in 2012, she overcame a major heart attack—another reminder of God’s grace and her unyielding will to live. Through every trial, she remained steadfast, never losing her optimism or her belief that God had a purpose for her journey.

Ann had a heart that saw only the best in others. She believed deeply in forgiveness, second chances, and the power of grace. Even when others took advantage of her kindness, she never allowed bitterness to take root. Instead, she continued to give, love, and serve—believing that every person carried the potential for goodness. Her gentle spirit and unconditional love were both her greatest strengths and the truest reflection of her faith.

Family and friends were the center of her world. She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, avid Elvis Presley fan, and the heartbeat of every family gathering. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and love, where everyone felt welcome, no one ever left hungry, and she was sure to share multiple pictures of her grandbabies. Her many homemade southern dishes, funny stories, and wit will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Ann leaves behind a legacy of love and service that continues through her children. She is survived by her son and caregiver, Stanley Grover Barnhill III of Hartsville; her daughter, Kimberly Melissa Barnhill Young and son-in-law, Danny Allen Young Jr., both of Florence, her beloved grandson, and pilot, Logan Allen Young, current Junior at Liberty University, and granddaughter, Emma Madison Young, current Junior at West Florence High School and future nurse. Ann is also survived by her twin sister, Virginia Gail Howard Darnell Walters and brother, Jerry Howard, both of Hartsville. Ann is the widow of the late Reverend Stanley Grover Barnhill, II. and the late Freddie Elliott Brand, both of Hartsville. She is also preceded in death by her sisters Jerilon Kubecka, Jean Bryant, Maxine Culpepper, and Doris Harrelson as well as her brothers Luther G Howard, Sr., Jack Howard, Bobby Howard, and Bennie Howard. Ann now joins many loved ones who have gone before her, resting in the peace and joy of her Savior’s embrace.

Both Stan and Kim would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Eldridge and Scott Norton and staff of Norton’s Funeral Home, Ann’s amazing nurses: Janice Rogers, Jessica Hernandez, Crystal Morton, Terre Strickland, Dawn Calhoun, and Debbie Russ, and Spiritual Care Counselor Michael Parnell, and Chaplain - John “Joey” Colson, all of Crescent Hospice. A private celebration of Ann’s life was held on October 15th, with a burial service at Darlington Memorial Gardens, where she was laid to rest beside the father of her children, Reverend Stanley Grover Barnhill II, with Chaplain John “Joey” Colson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Heart Association, and/or the Alzheimer’s Association (South Carolina Chapter), continuing Ann’s lifelong mission of helping others.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing that her work on earth was well done. Her faith, love, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23