Barbara graduated from Wheatly High School in Houston, Texas. After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in nursing, and she truly enjoyed the job. She excelled as a LVN for many years, and she really enjoyed helping people. Her next career was being a realtor. She did this with great passion and she helped so many people find their dream home.
Barbara was married a couple of times, but Rudolph stole her heart and the union produced two beautiful girls named Candice and Nichole.
Barbara always had a job and her family stepped up to raise the girls, especially her brother John. They would take turns doing the during the summer months watching each other kids. All her sisters and brothers played a valuable role in her kids' lives. They all had great careers and instilled life rules, how to have dignity and how to carry yourself especially in public. We were a tight family and celebrated all holidays together. We are so grateful for those memories.
She was a member of East Gate New Prosperity Baptist Church in Wharton, Texas where she loved Pastor Webb.
Barbara was a strong-willed woman; she didn't take no - from anyone. Barbara said what was on her mind and was ready for anyone to challenge her. At the same time, BArbara was loving and embraced people that she met; but if you were out of order with anything such as "not enough clothes on in public" or "having several baby daddy's, she would have something to say. You might not like what she said, but you respected her because it was the truth. Barbara enjoyed family vacations, cooking and her birthday parties. Barbara's favorite food was fried catfish and potato salad, of course she made the potato salad.
Barbara loved her grandkids and her great grandkids~~when she saw them, she would get so happy.
Barbara was preceded in transition by her mother and father; two sisters, Marion Johnson and Irene Kittie Broadnax; brother-in-law, Esay Douglas; sister-in-law, Lourdes Johnson; nephew, Winfred Lavance Johnson; and great nephew, Tairail Johnson.
Left to honor her life and cherish her memory are her husband, Christopher Lincoln "Smokey Joe" Fortune; two daughters, Candice Jones (Darrall, Sr.) and Nichole Medrano; grandchildren, Andre Josh, Nicholas, Darrall Jr, Dionna, Nino, Walter and Desean; great grandchildren, Elisah, Aspyn and Noah; sisters, Gwen and Melody; brothers, John and Winfred (Deborah); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Barbara, you will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you. We love you so much, Rest In Peace.
