Finally at rest, Margaret (Barry) Klarp Barnett died comfortably in her home at The Orchard in Brookhaven, GA. on 1/8/24. She was 66. Margaret was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Davison Klarp (2018) and her father, Edgar Faulk Klarp (2007). She is survived by her children, Sarah & Hannah Barnett of Atlanta, GA., her sister, Jessica Klarp (Julia Burr) of Black Mountain, NC and her brother, Grant Klarp of Landrum, SC in addition to her niece, nephew and ex-husbands John Robert Barnett and David Quillin.

Born September 4, 1957 in Baltimore MD, she moved with her family to Atlanta in 1963. She graduated from Henderson High School in 1975 where she was a cheerleader and then went on to graduate from UGA in 1980 with a degree in Interior Design.

Her over 30 year career in the field began at Morris Barnett in Atlanta, GA. She then went on to Stevens Wilkinson where her innate drafting skills flourished and she became a leader in the department. By 1989, she and Bob (John Robert) reconnected and she became an official partner in Barnett & Co. where she would remain Principal until her retirement in 2017. Together, they covered the full gamut of residential and commercial design from their home offices in Decatur, GA.

In addition to her design work, Margaret established a non-profit, What A Life Foundation, that provided fully furnished interiors to recently rehomed veterans. This was a passion she came to with her signature gusto and something she cared for deeply. She and What A Life were featured in the September 2014 issue of Oprah Magazine, naming her the "Robin Hood of Interior Design."

Margaret was a devoted mother, sister and daughter. She was actively involved in fundraising for The Paideia School, a cornerstone of her neighborhood with her epic yearly Christmas parties, and a stranger to no one. There was an open door policy at her house - everyone was invited and there was always enough food for one more at the table. The family joke is that if she was waiting in a line long enough, she would come away with a new best friend.

She was an enthusiastic traveler, always game for adventure, a perceptive photographer, avid gardener, and loyal, devoted friend. Small in stature but big of heart, her infectious energy, epic storytelling, and quick wit will be missed by all who knew her.

As she was always one to pay it forward, her brain has been donated to the Brain Endowment Bank at The University of Miami to aid in their research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and other memory diseases. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brain Endowment Bank or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

She taught us to trust our guts and that it’s okay to ignore a rule every now and then. We will celebrate her life everyday of our own. We are who we are because of you. 

Cheers <3

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