Barbara Jean Douglas

As the fourth of eight children, Barbara was never in need of companionship. She and her siblings were raised to be one another’s protectors, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where Barbara was raised and educated in the Arizona Public School system.

Growing up on the west side of Phoenix, Barbara found joy in the simple pleasures of childhood. She loved being outdoors in the Arizona sunshine—dancing, laughing, and playing games like eight square and hide-and-seek with her siblings. Those were cherished days, filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Life was good then, but Barbara had no idea how much greater it would become.

On October 16, 1977, Barbara’s life took on a whole new meaning when she gave birth to her only child, the love of her heart, her daughter Paulette Marie Johnson, affectionately known as Polly. Polly entered the world early, facing serious medical complications. Doctors pessimistically shared that she would be “lucky” to live to see adulthood.

But what they did not know was that Polly was Barbara’s purpose—and God had a plan.

Barbara embraced motherhood with a strength and determination she did not know she possessed. Polly’s health challenges required her to be focused, conscientious, and patient in ways that would shape the very core of who she was as a mother. Frequent trips to the doctor, daily medications, and a constant awareness of Polly’s needs became part of Barbara’s everyday life. Yet, she never wavered. She carried the weight of that responsibility with grace and devotion, showing up each day with love and resilience.

In 1979, Barbara and Polly relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where Barbara continued her role as a devoted caregiver. In 1986, she became a faithful member of Maranatha Evangelical Church of God in Christ, where she served diligently on the usher board under the leadership of Dr. Andrew J. Miller, Sr. and District Missionary Edith A. Miller.

Barbara had a natural ability to make everyone around her feel welcome, seen, and loved. Following the passing of Dr. Miller, she continued her service as usher under Pastor Mark K. Miller, Sr. and Lady Vanessa J. Miller. Her excellence and dedication earned her the affectionate nickname “Super Usher.”

After many years in Tacoma, Barbara relocated to Akron, Ohio, where she began a new chapter of her life. There, she purchased her first home and built a successful career with Goodyear Corporate Headquarters, where she worked faithfully for over 20 years before retiring in 2022.

Barbara later became a devoted member of Tower of Prayer Worship Center, Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Stephen T. Lott, Sr. and Lady Tracie Lott. She resumed her service on the usher board and remained a faithful member for over 15 years, rarely missing a Sunday.

In 2023, Barbara received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. Even in the face of illness, she continued to embody the strength, grace, and unquestionable faith that had long defined her life. With wisdom and love, Barbara entrusted her sister, Alice, with the care of her affairs, asking her to continue looking after her beloved daughter, Polly—a reflection of the deep and steadfast love she carried as a mother.

In February 2026, Barbara and Polly returned to Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by family and the comfort and peace of the place where her journey began.

On March 15, 2026, with her beloved Polly, her sisters Alice and Frankie, her brother Larry, and several family members by her side, Barbara peacefully transitioned from this life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Bobbie Owens; her niece, Samantha Oden; nephew, Marcus Roberts, maternal and paternal grandparents; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her only child, Paulette Marie Johnson; 7 siblings: Frankie Lee Winston (Norman) of Phoenix, Arizona, Clell Owens (Pinkie) of Phoenix, Arizona; Faye Henley (Charles) of Stockton, California, Larry Owens, Sr. (Daphne) of Laveen, Arizona, Alice M. Daniels of Peoria, Arizona; Cornelius Owens, Sr. (Kimberly) of Spanaway, Washington, and Michael Owens, Sr. of Tacoma, Washington; her uncle, Booker T. Washington, Sr. (Debra) of Phoenix, Arizona; her aunts, Catherine Richardson of Tacoma, Washington and Mildred Washington of Los Angeles; California; 11 nieces, 12 nephews, “spiritual” nephew, Joseph A. Cooper of Akron, Ohio; Sister in Love, La-Sandra M Jones of Lakewood, Washington and a multitude of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.

Barbara lived a life filled with love, laughter, and connection. She was gregarious and fun-loving, with a magnetic smile and a contagious laugh that could light up any room. Though she is no longer with us in body, the joy she shared and the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Greater Hope Christian Church, 2927 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, US, on April 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and a Funeral Service will be held at Greater Hope Christian Church, 2927 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, US, on April 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.