Obituary of Barbara A. Johnson

Barbara Ann Johnson, 75, of Philadelphia, Pa, went home to be with her Lord on December 8, 2019. She was born to the late Susie Vivian Brown and Orie C. Brown on October 17, 1944. She was married to James C. Johnson who preceded her in death in 1997.

Barbara graduated from West Catholic Girls High and received an Early Elementary Education degree from Temple University. She later became a teaching assistant at Drexel University. Barbara had a long-standing career in many fields, but her most passionate career was working as a mentor for troubled children and a loving foster parent opening her home to many. She was also a reservist in the Army Reserves.

She was vivacious, creative, outspoken, dependable, compassionate and loved life, family and her plants. She had a special knack for plants and could bring any plant back to life. She worked tirelessly in her garden adding beauty to the neighborhood, which brought her great joy. Barbara also made silk flower arrangements for many occasions including flowers for her girls’ weddings. She had a very generous spirit and opened her home and heart to everyone and anyone especially those in need. Barbara was a wonderful mom and loved spending time with her grandchildren, and great grands who lovingly called her Nana. She had a strong spirit and was very independent. She spent a lifetime with her dear friends, Barbara McCray and the late Margaret Luster, whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by brothers, William Brown and John Brown. Barbara is survived by her sisters, M. Patricia Johnson and Bernice Brown; her children, Ravenda Dallah (Johnson), Barbara (Bobbie) Johnson; 3 grandsons, Jason Jordan, Christopher Dones, and Joseph Jennings; 2 granddaughters, Alexis Butler and Dawn Rountree; in-laws Brandon Rountree and Tiffany Jordan; a host of great grandchildren, Aniyah, Jason Jr., Malachi, Ya’Shua, Aiyanna, Jasmine and Messiah, and a great-great grandson Mah’Ron; God children, Francesca Luster, Angela Reaves, Robert (Bobby) Ryan and many more; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many cousins.