Barbara Recker Johnson

Barbara Recker Johnson, age 86, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in Mobile, Alabama on Friday, August 15, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Vincent Henry and Clover Branham Recker of Portageville, Missouri, where she was born and raised. Barbara or Bobby, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, graduated from Portageville High School in 1956. Her professional career began at Delta Airlines in Memphis, Tennessee, where she worked from 1957 to 1960. On December 29, 1958, she married James Richard Johnson of Caruthersville, Missouri. Together, they celebrated 57 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2016.

In 1972, the couple relocated to Dyersburg, Tennessee, where they raised three sons. Barbara earned her associate degree from Dyersburg Community College in 1978. By 1980, she had obtained her Real Estate Broker's license and established BR Johnson Realty, becoming Dyersburg first female broker and the first woman to open a real estate office in the community. She played a key role in founding the Board of Realtors in Dyersburg and became the first woman to serve on the Dyer County Planning Commission in 1982. Barbara was an active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, regularly attending mass, and participated in the Daughters of the American Revolution. However, of all of her accomplishments, Barbara's grandchildren brought her the greatest joy.

In addition to her husband, Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Edward Recker (2007). She is survived by her sister, Mary Martha Baker of Festus, Missouri; her three sons, Richard Allen (Beth), Mark (Jill), and Darren (Catherine); and her grandchildren: Mary Allyn Price(Jonathan), Matthew Johnson(Allison), Lee Lee Garrett (Jim), Brenna Johnson, Kate Johnson, Whit Johnson (Scout), Woods Johnson (Natalie), Mattie Johnson, and Hew Johnson. She is also survived by nieces Terri Wolk (Tim), Sandi Timmons (Mike), niece Linda Recker, nephews John Paul Johnson, Kevin Recker (Cyndi), Carmen Morris (Jim), and her sister-in-law Leonelle Recker, along with five great-grandchildren: Mattie Mae and Nathan Johnson. Luke and Henry Price, and Becca Garrett.

In her final chapter, Barbara was blessed with many kind and capable hands who cared for her.The family would like to thank Tina and all of the wonderful staff at Proveer Port City now known as Kavhale at Port City. Their care will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude.

Services for Barbara will take place at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee and will be announced at a later date.