Mrs. Barbara J. Minchin, 78 of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at her home following a sudden illness.  She was born in Louisville, Kentucky to the late James H. Johnston, Sr. and Martha Hines Johnston Riggins.  Mrs. Minchin had made her home in Lake City since 1967 having moved here from Largo, Florida.  She was a graduate of Largo High School class of 1961.  Mrs. Minchin also attended St. Petersburg Junior College before going to work at Weeki Wachee as a Mermaid for 2 years.  She co-founded the Lake City Animal Shelter in 1970 and was the owner of Colony Interiors in Lake City for 15 years prior to her retirement.  Mrs. Minchin was a member of the Lake City Christian Church and former longtime member of the First Christian Church of Lake City.  She loved to collect anything with mermaids and was an amazing interior decorator for many years.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Ronny Minchin; her daughter, Jacqueline Joelynn "Joelie" Minchin; her son, James R. "Jamie" Minchin, II; her brother, Jim Johnston, Jr; her sister, Nancy Crews (Frankie); three grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Clark (Logan Raulerson), James R. "Jamie" Minchin, III and Kori Laine Minchin; two great grandchildren, Olivia Jenaveive Raulerson and Kai Logan Raulerson all of Lake City; longtime best friend and mermaid, Suzanne Boyd, Largo; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Minchin will be conducted on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 3:00 PM at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Travis Buchanan officiating.  Interment will follow at Memorial Cemetery.  Private visitation for the immediate family will be prior to the service.