Barbara Jean Johnson
"Momma"

Barbara Jean Johnson, affectionately called by many, "Momma," was born to Val Chester and Rebekah B. Gibbs on October 23, 1946 in Taylor, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Round Rock, TX. Later in life, she joined and was baptized at Sweet Home Baptist Church, in Round Rock, TX, where was an active member and participated on the Usher Board.

"Bobbie," also affectionately called by many, graduated in 1965 from Hopewell School in Round Rock, TX, where she actively participated in choir and on the pep squad.

Growing up, she discovered her cooking passion at an early age and remained faithful to her abilities to pour love into every single dish she prepared whether professionally or for family and friends.

For the past 22 years, she was employed until the time of her death as Head Cook at Alpha House of Springfield, MO. She adored her professional family and considered them as her extended family.

She was united in holy matrimony to Samuel Johnson on July 22, 1978 until his death.

Barbara was called home by her Heavenly Father on August 1, 2017 at the age of 70 years old. She was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year. She survived a successful surgery leaving her cancer free and completed three rounds out of four of chemotherapy as a preventative treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. She was cared for faithfully by her devoted and loving daughter, Tinka, during her time of illness.

She is preceded in death by her son, Michael Barnes; her husband, Samuel Johnson; her father and mother, Val Chester and Rebekah B. Gibbs; her brother, Charles Lee Hurd, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Allen Wheeler; paternal grandparents, Douglas Gibbs and Barbara Mae Clark; uncles Sam, Will, Tom, Allen Wheeler, Sr.; aunts Etta Mae and Joseph Wheeler; niece Monique Hurd; first cousins, Geraldine, Rae, Almeda, Alfred, Lee A. Wheeler, Jr. and many other extended family members.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Carolyn "Tinka" Betz of Ozark, MO; adopted daughter, Nakii Johnson of Ft. Polk, LA; a host of longtime and special friends, including the staff of Alpha House of Springfield; many "sons and daughters" she cared for throughout the years, friends of both Michael and Tinka; and, a host of extended relatives and friends in both Round Rock, TX, and Springfield, MO, including her niece Cece; nephews Charles Jr., Craig and Cedric; first cousins Theresa (Kenny) Bentley, Lee, Ronnie (Wheeler); dear friends, Ella (Alan) Morrison, Torris Germany, Sue Marshall and Connie (Jeff) Kollmeyer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions of "Barb" can be made to the Alpha House of Springfield, MO located at 2300 E Division St, Springfield, MO 65803.

Barbara never met a stranger and was a friend to all. Whenever anyone needed help, regardless of the task, she was there whole heartedly and willingly to help in every way possible. While reserved and conservative, she was a very friendly, kind, caring, loving, considerate and humorous soul loved by many and will be remembered by all whose lives she has touched with her generosity and delicious home cooking.

A special thanks to all who have helped during this difficult time. You are appreciated.

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