“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” ~ Proverbs 10:7

Kathy, Judy, and Bill; 

Cheryl and I are thinking of you today on this your first “Mother’s Day” without your precious and loving Mother to celebrate it with.  We will forever miss Barbara and the sweet and caring person that she was to everyone who came into her life.  As we all celebrate and honor our loving and special Mothers today, those who are still here with us and also those who are now in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, our hearts are filled with gratitude and we are so very thankful to our Heavenly Father for the precious gift of our beautiful and wonderful Mothers in our lives.  We think about, and reflect upon, and celebrate the gift of our Mothers not only today on Mother’s Day, but each and every day, for we hold our dear Mothers close to our hearts and we will cherish the many special memories and the precious time we were so blessed to have had with our Mothers in our lives.  Some sadly shorter than others, but blessed none the less for the time which we did have them in our lives, no matter the time - whether it be long or short.  Barbara is now celebrating her first Mother’s Day in Heaven with her Mother (Aunt Ethel), her first in 58 years.  Oh, what a wonderful celebration they are all having today!  It has now been 25 years since we last celebrated Mother’s Day with our loving and godly Mother being physically here with us and we miss her dearly.  Cheryl and I want all of you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers today, and always.  Wishing each of you God’s continued blessings, favor and comfort as you continue along your journey without the physical presence of your Mother in your lives.  Cherish the many special memories you were so blessed to have had with her, and know she is always with you, for she lives on through all your special memories, and in your hearts she will forever dwell.  

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” ~ Proverbs 31:28

Family Members in above attached Photo taken at Will & Kate Elliott’s home on Avenue F in Ensley (Front Row L-R): Elaine Cliffe (1932-2024), George McLane, Jr. (1935-2020), Floyd Rogers (1938-2002), Walter Lee Elliott (1925-2005), (Second Row L-R): Joyce May (1932-), Kate Brigman Elliott (1883-1967), (Sitting on Kate Elliott’s lap) Michael (Mike) May (1942-), Will Elliott (1883-1955), Barbara McLane (1932-2026), (Third Row L-R): Betty Cliffe (1928-2001), Lillian Elliott Rogers (1916-1973), Violet Elliott Cliffe (1904-1992), Ethel Elliott McLane (1911-1969), Vernon (Sonny) Elliott, Jr. (1931-1992), Mildred Elliott (1911-?), Elizabeth Elliott May (1913-1985), Marion (Fritz) May (1910-1973), (Back Row L-R): Kenneth J. Cliffe (1903-1959), Jim (Uncle Bud) Elliott (1871-1947), William (Bill) Elliott (1920-2000), Frances Hicks Elliott (1926-2007), Ruth Elliott Wood (1909-2007), and Vernon G. Elliott, Sr. (1906-1959)

Our dear and precious loved ones may be gone from our physical presence, but they will always be a part of our lives and they will never be forgotten.  We are so blessed to have had them be a part of our lives for the time in which we had them, for a gift from God they truly were and they will forever be, for those we love and who have meant so much to us will never really depart from us, for the impact they left on our lives, and the lessons we have learned from them, we will carry with us each and every day in which we live.  We will always cherish and hold dear the many special memories of the precious time spent together, for it is those precious cherished memories that will continue to bind us together and will keep our loved ones close and near, forever occupying a special place in our hearts as we continue along our own personal journey in life.  We will never forget how they touched our lives and the love and care which they so graciously and sacrificially poured into each and every one of us.

Written by Kenneth Jc Smith

“Three Loving Cousins: Celebrating 90 Years” Written by Kenneth Jc Smith (2022) ~ In 1932 our family grew, for within a six month period Kate and Will Elliott were blessed to welcome three new additions to their family.  These additions were three beautiful baby granddaughters, cousins they were, for their mothers (Elizabeth, Ethel and Violet) were sisters.  As these cousins grew up more like sisters and friends these cousins would become, for there was a very special bond and closeness between these three cousins. Joyce (daughter of Elizabeth) was born in May, Barbara (daughter of Ethel) was born in September, and Elaine (daughter of Violet) was born in October.  All three cousins would marry and be blessed to celebrate 60 plus years of marriage: Elaine and Buddy with 66 years of marriage; Barbara and Billy with 65 years of marriage; and Joyce and Ken with 71 years of marriage.  These three cousins would at various times throughout their blessed marriages find themselves being neighbors, living either next door to one another or down the street from one another.  They each later on in their senior years would over a period of five years, from 2016 through 2021, find themselves having to face the death of their loving and faithful husbands after 65 to 71 years of marriage.  Life for these three cousins has not always been easy, for with each now having lived through nine decades they have experienced the many ups and downs and difficulties of life and marriage, along with great loss and sorrow.  As the years moved on each had to deal with the reality of getting older and the limitations and the challenges which come as a result.  But through it all they persevered and kept the faith knowing the Lord was by their side and guiding them.  May we never forget the contributions and the sacrifices these special ladies have made throughout their lives and the love which they have shown to us.  What a very special milestone for these beautiful, loving, and godly women.

Kathy, Judy and Bill,

We are so very sorry for your loss. We know what a difficult time this is for you all right now. Your mother was a foundation rock for our family, and she will be missed every day. We have had the honor of having her as our beloved “Aunt Barbara” since we were born. What a blessing she was to us throughout our lives, as well as you three; true loving cousins. 
One day soon we will all be united together in heaven in our resurrection bodies and we will be laughing and enjoying life in a way we cannot begin to comprehend - it will be magnificent!!! Praise God!
We love you all, and will always be here for anything you need at anytime of the day or night. We are praying for God’s comfort, strength and peace for your entire family. 
Love always,
Karen, George, Steve & Family

“Heaven-Bound”
Written by Kenneth Jc Smith

My eyes are looking upwards to my Home beyond the sky.  The precious moments I have here will soon come to an end, and though it is very hard for me, I will have to say “goodbye”.  I know I’m weak and broken, and tired to my very core.  My heart is beating so much weaker now, and I struggle to take each breath.  I am simply just worn out and sadly can’t take much more.  The thought of leaving those I love, who mean the world to me, makes this day which soon will come so hard for me to bear.  Through each and every tear you shed, remember that for each of you, God so lovingly does care.  Since my time has come and I soon must go, please lean on Jesus, and on each other, in your times of sadness, sorrow and grief.  Love each other always, be kind to one another, cherish the time you have together, for sadly the life we have here is all too brief.  Remember, never far from you will I really ever be, for in your heart that is where you will always find me.  Along with all the wonderful memories, which together we created, there too is where I’ll be.  So heavenward I look, for my destination is Heaven-bound.  My voice will soon be silent, my journey here complete.  Oh what a reunion and celebration in Heaven will I find awaiting me, for my dear departed loved ones I will once again see, where together, along with Jesus, we will walk on God’s magnificent Heavenly street.  So I soon will start my journey Home, where Jesus will lead the way.  My love I give to each of you and God’s blessings upon you I pray.  I, at last, will look upon my Savior’s face, for Jesus I will see.  Together, hand in hand, Jesus will lead me Home, Home in Heaven that’s where I’ll be, where with my Heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus I will spend Eternity.  My heart is sadly broken to have to leave you at this time, but you must be strong for this really isn’t goodbye, for one day Jesus will come for each of you, and together we will once again unite.

Photo of Barbara taken October 2022 by Kenneth Jc Smith

Photo of Barbara taken October 2023 by Kenneth Jc Smith

Kathy, Judy, Bill Jr., and Family;  May the God of all comfort surround each of you in your times of grief and sorrow, and may He hold you close and lift you up and give you peace and comfort in the days and months and years to come.  My sister Cheryl and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to each of you on the passing of dear Barbara.  She was a sweet and loving and kind and caring person.  Barbara will be greatly missed by the family and all who knew her, but she now lives on through each of you. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” ~ Matthew 5:4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3

Love,
Kenneth Smith and Cheryl Smith 
(Son and daughter of Betty Cliffe Smith, and grandson and granddaughter of Violet Elliott Cliffe)

So sad to know this great lady is gone, but so happy she is at rest! She was the definition of class and grace! Prays for all of you as you say goodbye, to her, for awhile!

OBITUARY

Barbara Jane Johnson

September 16, 1932 – January 22, 2026

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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