Olympia Starr Leontyne (Guichard) Barnes was born on September 25th, 1981 in Brooklyn, New York to Mersuda (Guichard)Donald and Leon Vernon Partrick Guichard (Giovanni). She attended P.S. 189 and Wingate High School. After high school, she attended Florida State University where she earned her associates degree in General Education.
Starr was born to Caribbean parents from Trinidad, and loved everything about her culture. On September 25th, 2003 she met the love of her life who embraced not only her, but also her beloved heritage. It was love at first sight, because they were married shortly after on November 23rd, 2003. From their union, four beautiful, remarkable children were brought into the world. She loved her husband Yancey with every fiber of her soul, even through peaks and valleys. She would say “It was meant to be, he’s my soulmate”.
Starr was an exceptional woman who cherished her “babies”, as she affectionately called them. She did everything and anything for her children. She taught them a wide range of skills. Skills she believed would last a life time. Some of their favorite activities were gardening and arts and crafts. Starr was an extraordinary mother. A mother that believed every single birthday was cause for a HUGE celebration with grand parties, big birthday cakes, loads of decorations and even costumes. She believed all her children’s accomplishments, no matter how big or small, should be greatly honored and celebrated.
Starr was a grand hostess. Entertaining for dear friends and family is where her spirit shined, especially on game night. If you were true to her, she was true to you (100%). A pure, genuine, kind, and loving person who would have given you the shirt off her back. If you needed anything, she would go out of her way to help, even if it meant giving you her last dollar. She opened up herself, her family and her home to those she loved with generous arms. Those close to her know, if she called you “bro or sis”, she meant it! You were now part of her family! She is going to ride with you til the wheels fall off. As for the few who managed to get on her bad side, they felt Starr’s unfiltered passion and Trini spice first hand. She believed in what’s right is Right, and wrong is Wrong. If you’ve ever felt her wrath, best believe you deserved it. No holding back, she is going to tell you how she feels.
Living an active lifestyle was deeply tied to her way of life. Starr took interest in extreme sports; skydiving, surfing, and skiing. She loved the thrill and excitement. She also had an adoration for big trucks and big dogs. A real go big or go home kind of girl. Dancing was a craze that Starr could never get tired of. She could ride the rythym of the beat for hours on end and wake up early the next morning to make breakfast without skipping a beat. Whatever she cooked she put her heart into it. Caribbean cuisine was her most favored, especially bake and saltfish. Whenever there was a family gathering there had to be bake and saltfish. If it wasn’t there she was going to ask or bribe someone to make it.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Her husband, Yancey Lee Barnes; Her children, Brazil, Heiress, London, Seoul; mother, Mersuda (Guichard)Donald; father Leon Guichard; Brothers Olando, Zachary, Giovanni; sisters Sofia, Giona; Aunt (Mom) Andrea, Cousin (sister) Tricia and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, family and friends she hold dear to her heart.
Starr was a beacon of light. Her smile and laughter lit up the room. She stood out from the rest. A strong, courageous, woman who lived life to the fullest. A beautiful Shining Starr who has left us all with an inspiring message. “Dream as If you live forever, live as if you will die today”.
Condolences(9)-
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Previous Lois B. Hale
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Anita Barnes Edwards says
June 13, 2021 at 3:36 amYancey,
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. You and the kids are in our prayers.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love and support.
Aunt Anita and Uncle David
Lee Ann Salandy says
June 13, 2021 at 12:25 pmTo the children and husband of my dear cousin Starr, my heart is heavy. I just can’t believe it.
May God guide you through your time of grief.
Nicole Nottingham Quattlebaum says
June 13, 2021 at 1:46 pmSending lots of Love and prayers to Yancey, Brazil, Heiress, London & Seoul. My only wish, is that Starr & I had reconciled, but A Beautiful Bird appeared to my oldest daughter. It gave the message that it’s okay, all is well! Hope that you can forgive me Yancey & one day we can chat, keep in touch, maybe meet. Peace, Blessings & Love.
Sharon Kay says
June 13, 2021 at 3:23 pmYancy and family, I pray God’s peace and strength during this time of difficulty. Cherish and celebrate the memories of joy and laughter!
Chenelle Bostic says
June 13, 2021 at 4:16 pmTo my darling cousin, I am still wishing this is all a dream, I can’t believe this is reality. I miss you dearly. My thoughts and my prayers are with Yancy and the kids. May you rest in perfect peace, until we meet again. Love you Starr 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Gwenez Harris says
June 13, 2021 at 7:46 pmI’m heartbroken to hear of the loss of a wife, mother, daughter, & friend.
I pray that you all are able to grieve healthily and heal and remember your loved one from a place of peace and comfort one day. Much love to you all.
Heiress Barnes says
February 25, 2022 at 1:10 amshe was and still is a great mom
Heiress Olympia Barnes says
October 12, 2022 at 9:13 pmI love you so much mom there is not a day I don’t miss you I wish you were here I miss you so much
Heiress Olympia Barnes says
October 12, 2022 at 9:13 pmI love you so much mom there is not a day I don’t miss you I wish you were here I miss you so much