In Loving Memory of

Barbara Sue Johnson

Age 66.

Barbara was beautiful inside and out. Her warm smile, kind heart, and positive spirit touched everyone who knew her. Born in Paducah, Kentucky, she lived a life defined by strength, compassion, and a sincere desire to help others. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rochelle Fields Johnson, and her father, Earl Phillip Johnson Sr.

Barbara faced adversity with quiet courage, meeting life’s challenges without allowing them to diminish her gentleness or capacity for love. Her resilience was reflected in the grace with which she continued to encourage and care for those around her. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and less alone, and her presence brought comfort to those fortunate enough to know her.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Barbara also completed an internship at Walt Disney World in the 1980s—an experience that became a meaningful part of her life’s story.

Above all, Barbara will be remembered for the beauty of her heart, the warmth of her smile, and the compassion she shared so freely. Her desire to help others was woven into the way she lived and loved. She is survived by her wife and partner of 30 years, Loretta Howell of Louisville, Kentucky.

Barbara is also survived by her brothers: Earl Phillip Johnson and his wife, Gracie, of Riverside, California; Dr. Gregory Johnson and Dr. Michelle Johnson, of Boston, Massachusetts; and Bradford Linn & Kyrishia Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia. She is cherished by surviving aunt Marilyn Bryant and uncles Mark and Clarence Fields.

She is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Johnson; Benjamin Johnson; Jeremy Johnson and his wife Christine; Monica, Journee & Major Johnson; Krista Riley Hunt; Chloe Loressa Vanderpool; Brooklynn Paige Vanderpool, and Mimi (Michael) Swanagan.

Barbara is also survived by her in-laws, Floyd and Lou Ellen Howell of Inez, Kentucky, and is lovingly remembered by her sisters: Kristy Howell Hunt and her husband, Joshua; Rebecca Howell Fields; and Ashley Kathleen Howell Robinson and her husband, Brian.

She also leaves behind her precious fur-babies Strawberry Lucy and Mr. Zeus Tiberus Picard.

Barbara is also lovingly remembered by her many cousins, including Clarissa White and Caroline Atkins who provided cherished memories during Barbara’s final days. Clarissa provided hands-on care, love, and support, standing by Barbara and her family with compassion and devotion.

Though Barbara is deeply missed, the encouragement she offered, the kindness she showed, and the love she gave, continue to live on in the hearts of all those she touched. Her legacy can be found in the lives she brightened, the people she supported, and the enduring love she shared with family and friends. Most especially, the children she cared for will carry forward her love, kindness, and teachings for generations to come, reflecting the gentle way she lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shirley’s Way, an organization that helps cancer patients with living expenses while they undergo treatment.

In Barbara’s honor, her family also hopes to raise awareness of cervical cancer and encourages women to learn about its symptoms, prevention, and recommended screenings. Sharing this knowledge is another way to carry forward Barbara’s lifelong desire to help others. To learn more, visit the CDC’s cervical cancer information page: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/features/cervical-cancer.html

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m. at Pettus Rowland Funeral Home.

Family will be receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.

Burial will follow on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 12 noon at Smithland Cemetery 175 Smithland Cemetery Road in Smithland Kentucky.