Barbara Johnson

Barbara Jeanne Warren Johnson passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022. Even though she endured many health obstacles, her positive attitude never faltered. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 24, 1933. She was very proud of her Boston heritage and was an avid fan of all things New England.

Barbara was a well respected business woman who began her career at a time when not many women owned their own businesses. What started out as a hobby in 1963, soon grew into a thriving business known as B&B Silk Screen Studio. She was also very involved in her community at the Fort Smith Art Center and the Fort Smith Ad Club, yet still found time to be active in the PTA, a Cub Scout leader and never missed her children’s activities or events.

What most people will remember about Barbara is her love of life and her uplifting spirit. She believed that life is a gift and that the way you live your life is your gift to those around you. Barbara loved celebrating family and friends by mailing personalized greeting cards, rarely missing a birthday or anniversary. She was a loyal friend and made everyone feel important. A true joy to be around.

She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Robert Zell Johnson. She is survived by her son, Chip Johnson and wife Cristelyn of Fort Smith, AR; daughter, Jewell Johnson Sanders and husband Jimmy of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren who truly adored their Gran, Emily Johnson Goodhart and husband Matt of Little Rock, AR, Alexander David Johnson and wife Erin of Sarasota, FL, Adrienne Johnson Doughty and husband Ryan of Mena, AR, Anna Jewell Sanders of Atlanta, GA and Grace Marie Sanders of Birmingham, AL; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Warren Zwicker of Louisville, KY and her two sisters-in-law, Dotti Johnson Anderson and husband Wally of Ames, IA and Mary Johnson Kvitek and husband Dick of Chaska, MN.

Memorial service will be held at a future date at U.S. National Cemetery Pavilion, 522 Garland Ave., Fort Smith, AR with burial to follow both under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith, where Barbara received excellent care at Mercy Hospital, Rehabilitation and Hospice.