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Barbara Susan
Harbin
Jan 14, 1953 — May 21, 2026
Marvin United Methodist Church
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Ms. Barbara “Susan” Harbin, 73, of Martinez, Georgia entered into the arms of Heaven on May 22, 2026. Susan was born on January 14, 1953, in Florence, South Carolina to W. Frank and Barbara Ann [Williams] Smart.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Smart, Jr. She is survived by her sisters, Deborah Powell and Cheryl Miller, her brother Earl Williams, her daughters, Sarah Nicole Harbin and Julia Rebecca Logan, son-in-law Joshua Logan, three loving grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Susan was the beloved wife of James “Lowry” Harbin (August 13, 1951 – May 21, 2000). They met in Folly Beach, South Carolina, a setting that would become woven into the story of their lives together. Lowry served in the United States Navy before beginning a career with the Army Corps of Engineers, while Susan devoted her gifts to nonprofit administration and early childhood education. Susan was mother to Sarah Nicole Harbin and Julia Rebecca Logan. She is remembered by her daughters for effervescent delight in everyday life, her infectious laugh, and her unwavering devotion to quality time. Sarah remembers many Saturdays that started with a biscuit and “let’s go check out…” followed by a local attraction or hidden gem, often ending up at Fat Man’s Forest. Julia remembers that no matter how hard the day had been, her mother could always find something to laugh about and cheer her up. There are countless stories characterized by amazement, fits of giggles, and joy. Susan never met an idea she couldn’t bring to life. Anyone fortunate enough to work alongside her, volunteer with her, or simply know her understood that she approached everything with creativity, determination, and a touch of magic. Nothing was ever done halfway. Operation Christmas Child became a year-round mission. Raising orchids transformed her dining room into a greenhouse filled with dozens of blooming plants beside her ever-growing collection of vintage dishes. Vacation Bible School and daycare classrooms became immersive worlds transformed from floor to ceiling just for the delight and amazement on a child’s face when they walked through the door. Most recently, Susan served on the board of directors for Glennwood Pool, where she organized volunteers, designed billboards, and built community. Her annual Nativity displays, featuring her treasured Fontanini collection and many other beloved pieces, became a labor of love through which she shared the story of Christ’s birth. Susan’s joy in being a mother was only eclipsed by the adventure of becoming “Mimi” to Jackson “Rose” Markiewicz (2011), Bailey Logan (2014), and Elijah Logan (2019). She took joy in repeating stories of the ways each child was special to her. To them, her special kind of magic was simply normal life. Rose often talks about the time he and Mimi spent together in a hotel on a long trip, where she created fun by bringing crafts and hallway games to play. Bailey and Elijah were fortunate to have her in their lives daily as their caregiver. They painted rocks, went looking for fireworks shows, served in volunteer roles, and took over her living room with their collective imagination. Susan will surely be remembered by anyone who met her because she truly saw people. She believed that kindness lived in small everyday generosities, and she scattered them everywhere she went. The family requests that those who remember her continue this habit of leaving people feeling a little more loved than you found them. She passionately supported Carolina Loving Hound Rescue, and the family requests donations be made to the organization instead of flowers. PO Box 15288, Greenville, SC or PayPal/Venmo: donate@carolina-loving-hound-rescue.com Celebration of Susan’s life will be at 7pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Marvin United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm prior. Susan will be laid to eternal rest the following day, June 24, alongside Lowry and other family members at 2pm at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Westminster, South Carolina. Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com
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