Barbara Mae Johnson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Barbara Mae Johnson, daughter of Hershel and Donna Rae Dukes Reeves, was born July 4, 1942, in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Monday, June 23, 2014, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-one years, eleven months, and nineteen days.
On June 5, 1960, she was united in marriage to Duard D. Johnson, and to this union one daughter was born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Gary and Robert Reeves.
Barbara is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Duard, of the home; a daughter, Kelly Rogers, and her husband, Dale, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandsons, Grady and Sean Rogers, both of Lebanon, Missouri; a brother, Terry Reeves, of Laquey, Missouri; a sister, Vickie Helton, and her husband, Kenneth, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews, Dena Welch, and her husband, Scott, and family, Rebecca Starnes, and her husband, Eric, and family, Eric Bethel, and his wife, Lesia, and family, Brett Bethel, Greg Johnson, and his wife, Kathi, and family; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Lebanon area, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1960. Early in her life, she worked at the soda fountain inside Conner’s Drug Store for a few years. In her teenage years, Barbara made her own dresses and enjoyed sewing. After she and Duard were married, they made their home in Anchorage, Alaska for a time, where Barbara modeled at Fur Rendezvous and other venues. Once they returned to the Lebanon area, they lovingly raised their daughter, Kelly. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her family, Barbara also worked as a secretary for Justice Furniture and at Empire Gas for a few years. Barbara and Duard co-owned and operated Johnson Service Center in Lebanon, and the Conoco Distributorship for forty-three years. They also operated several other energy companies. Barbara was a very knowledgeable businesswoman and managed the offices and other important details associated with their businesses.
Barbara loved to travel and particularly enjoyed visiting Greece, China, Australia, Ireland, and was also a big fan of Disney World. She greatly enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes which she tried out on her family and friends. She also liked watching old movies in her spare time. She was a dedicated wife and mother and was especially devoted to Duard. Her grandsons were also very dear to her and she loved being with them and attending their activities.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and know that her family and friends will remember her fondly.
Memorial donations may be made to the Curry Cancer Center Mercy Foundation and left at the funeral home.
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