Barbara J. Johnson

Mother Barbara Joyce Johnson, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who touched countless lives with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community. 

 Barbara worked for many years as a bus driver for Suffolk Public Schools, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless children. She also served as a personal care aide, providing compassionate assistance to those in need. A dedicated homemaker, she balanced her many roles with work at the Suffolk Screen Factory and Gold Kist, always bringing her strong work ethic and caring nature to everything she did. 

 A woman of profound faith, Barbara joined Balm of Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, now known as Balm Church, at an early age and served her congregation faithfully until her health began to decline. Her contributions to the church were many: she served as custodian for years, usher, a member of the senior choir, and was one of the Mothers of the Church. She was a steadfast presence in the church community, offering her time and talents to strengthen and support her spiritual family. 

 Barbara’s impact on those around her was immeasurable. She was deeply loved and admired by all who knew her, celebrated for her nurturing spirit, kind heart, and radiant smile. 

 She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Scott and Lester Hopson; her beloved husband, James Raleigh Johnson; two sons, Charlie Johnson and Milton Johnson; four brothers, Robert Hopson, Vernon Hopson, William Hopson, and Edward Hopson; and one sister, Doris Stevenson. 

 Barbara is survived by her children, who will forever cherish her memory: four sons, Clifton Johnson (Mary), William Johnson (Ruth), James Johnson (Sharon), Curtis Johnson (Tracey); four daughters Brenda White, Della Eley (Frank), Barbara Goodman (Darryl), and Lisa Halsey (Terrence). She is also survived by one sister, Della Milteer, who shared a lifelong bond of love and sisterhood with her. 23 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A viewing will be held 1-7 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held noon, Friday, November 22, 2024 at Balm Church-East Campus. She will be laid to rest in Balm Church Memorial Gardens. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.