Barbara Ann Brown Johnston, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 12th, at her home in Woodway, TX.
Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service
Barbara was born July 2, 1929 in Merkel, Texas to father Ernest Yates and mother Ann Brown. She attended Hardin Simmons University and received her undergraduate degree in Music Educations in 1950. She taught music education in public schools in Albany, Texas. In 1951 she moved to Waco where she continued teaching music education in public schools. She returned to school to complete her Master’s Degree in Family Counseling from Texas Women’s University in 1978. She was a licensed professional counselor for Family Counseling and Children’s Services until her retirement in 1993.
Barbara was a charter member of Lake Shore Baptist Church and served as their first choir director. She was an active member and was always helping on a committee to help her fellow church members and especially the children. She could also be seen on Wednesday evenings as part of the Supper Team to serve the members of the church. She loved road-trip travels, friends, her family, and of course her Lady Bears Basketball Team. She was a lifelong fan of the Baylor Bears. She and her dearest friend (and favorite travel companion), Janette Rothe, followed their beloved Lady Bears all over the country to watch them play. Sic Em Bears!
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Ernest Yates and Ann Brown, and her three adored sons, Jeff, Jerry, and Jack Johnston.
Survivors include her Brother, Yates E. Brown, and Sister Sara (Tiny) Watson. Daughters in Law, Linda Johnston (Jeff), Tammie Johnston (Jack). Grandchildren Jamie and her husband Jason Mayfield, Jenna Johnston, Justin, and his wife Stephani Johnston. Four Great-Grandchildren, Jackson and Juleigh Mayfield and JoAnn and Jordanna Johnston, several nieces and nephews, and a chosen extended family who will all miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Lake Shore Baptist Children’s Center. 5801 Bishop Drive. Waco, TX https://lakeshorebaptistcc.weebly.com/about-us.html
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Barbara was one of the kindest, women I’ve ever known. She was the true definition of what it means to be a Christian and radiated God’s love. She was loved by many and will be so dearly missed.
We will be forever grateful to Barbara Johnston for making us into a family. In 1973, we adopted our dear daughter, who has been a joy to us all these years and still is. God bless the family. Our love and condolences.
My favourite memory of Barbara was when she same to visit Gary and I at Lake Travis with Gary’s aunt Janette and we went to the oasis for a meal and she presented me with a bridal magazine and I didn’t know what to say other than thank you so much but I’m not too sure Gary will propose soon. Gary was so touched she had given me the magazine that he surprised me by proposing later and this was down to having Barbara’s approval. This really meant a lot to Gary my now husband.
Barbara (BJ) was a dear friend for many years & a fantastic mentor, encourager & cheerleader. She faced many hard life challenges but never wavered in her faith in Jesus which showed in her gracious countenance. I miss her .
Barbara, My heart is full of love when I think of her. She was our guidance to creating our family, her patience and love was evident through out the process. We will never forget her call to meet at our home at 4 because she needed to speak to us. She asked us to sit down on either side of her and took our hands. Then she said with a smile that SHE is here, then we prayed our prayer of thanksgiving. We had a tiny premature 5 lb girl with an Apgar of 10. I kept Barbara apprised of as many accomplishments and milestones as I thought she could handle. Barbara was a blessing to so many us. May we so live to enjoy that day when the Lord may say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21.)
Dearest Friend. You leave such a big footprint with so many. I was blessed by you, your c ompassion, your visits. Thank you for including me in your heart. You will always be in mine.
Barbara taught me as a child in choir at church. The treasure from her that I carry is the song naming – in order!- the books of the Bible. I still catch myself singing in my mind that song when I’m searching for a certain book in the Bible. I think of what a gift this song and the sacrifice of her time investment to many children !
Quite possibly the kindest, most loving person I have ever met. Was a gift to have known you Barbara. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family. Love you!
I remember Barbara for so many wonderful gifts she brought to Lakeshore for so many years.
I am sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry to hear of Barbara’s death. She was a wonderful lady who always made me feel welcomed.
Barbara was the strongest person I ever knew…and certainly one of the most genuinely kind. I first knew Barbara when I was a teenager and she asked my parents to emergency foster a newborn, which they did at least twice in my memory. Then as a young professional, our paths crossed again as Barbara became my colleague, helping me connect young, pregnant women I worked with at planned Parenthood to maternity homes. Having known Barbara as a teen, I was quite honored to be working with her as an adult. Finally, my whole family came to love and admire Barbara when we joined Lakeshore Baptist Church 30 years ago. Those of us left behind have lost a dear friend.
Thank you for the opportunity to care for your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers.