Barbara Johnson

Barbara Joy Johnson of Topeka, KS, passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones, on December 13, 2024. She was born on January 11, 1933, in Shreveport, LA, to parents Ivey and Elizabeth Pool. She was preceded in death by her son, James R. Johnson, in 1997.

 Barbara is survived by her sister Beverly Mitchell, sons Harold B. Johnson III and Jonathan L. Johnson, niece Lisa Devincent, nephews Rodger Mitchell and Byron Flores, grandchildren Harold B. Johnson IV, Jamie Danielle Edwards, Nicholas Rodgers Bodhi Johnson and numerous great-grandchildren, grand and great-nieces, and nephews.

 Barbara grew up on a rented farm of a great aunt, without power, using a water well, surrounded by pecan, black walnut, peach, and fig trees. Life on the farm was simple yet fulfilling. She moved into a small house on her great grandparents' farm where she started school in Greenwood, still without power. Her father fixed a small pump in the kitchen from the well, and they used kerosene lamps to light their home. Barbara took home economics classes to learn essential skills like sewing and cooking, which she mastered with great enthusiasm. 

She met Harold B. Johnson Jr., who was in the Air Force, and married him on February 2, 1951, while a senior in high school. She stayed with her parents until Harold was transferred to England. She paid her own way over on the Queen Elizabeth and they rented an apartment in Colnbrook Village, 18 miles west of London. This period was marked by adventure and exploration. She visited iconic cities like Paris, Madrid, and Monaco, and even attempted to visit the Monte Carlo Casino, although she was too young to enter.

 Barbara traveled back to the USA on a Navy ship and they visited family in NC and LA before eventually settling in Rapid City, SD, where her first two sons were born. The family then moved to Alaska, where her third son was born. Alaska became a place of great fondness for Barbara, as she enjoyed the rugged wilderness, hunting, and fishing. They also spent a short time in Delaware before returning to Alaska and then finally settling in Topeka, KS in 1968.

 Barbara was a devoted Christian and a long-time member of the First Southern Baptist Church, Beta Sigma Phi, the Great Plains Balloon Club, and briefly, The Red Hats. She worked for over 30 years at Jostens American Yearbook, where she made lasting contributions and friendships.

 Barbara's life was a testament to resilience, adventure, and a deep love for her family and faith. She faced life's challenges with grace and determination, always finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604. Her family will greet friends and relatives one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery. In her honor, memorial contributions can be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. 

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