Barbara Ann Hord Johnson, 86, of Fresno, California passed away peacefully at her home on March 4, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Barbara was born December 25, 1934 to her parents, Charles and Mildred Hord, in Southland, Texas. When she was two years old, her family moved to Calwa, California. She attended Calwa Elementary School and, then, Longfellow Junior High School in Fresno, California. There she became the first woman Student Body President. Barbara attended Roosevelt High School where she was an outstanding student and took many leadership roles. There she also met the love of her life, O.B. Johnson, who she married right after graduation in September of 1952 in Fresno.
After marrying O.B. and settling in Fresno, Barbara worked for the Germain Seed Company and, then, became Secretary/Bookeeper for many years at Caruthers Union Elementary School District. They welcomed their daughter, Kellie, before moving to San Mateo with the General Electric Co. where their son, Stuart, was born.
Through O.B.’s tenure with GE, the family moved many times across the country and eventually ended back in Fresno. During these moves, Barbara made many friends and never complained and always supported her family. After returning to Fresno, Barbara was instrumental in establishing the Women’s Council for the Fresno Building Industry Association. She also helped organize the California Building Industry Association’s Women’s Council and held various leadership positions.
In 1998, Barbara and O.B. moved to Murrieta, California where Barbara was active on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Temecula. Her passion was helping underserved youth in the community and she was tireless in her fundraising efforts.
Barbara and O.B. moved back to Fresno in 2018 where she spent her final years. Barbara was caring, loving and generous to all and to be her friend was a blessing.
Barbara is survived by her husband, O.B., daughter, Kellie Abreu and her husband, Steve Abreu and her granddaughter, Maddie Abreu as well as her son, Stuart Johnson and grandson, Lucas Johnson. She is also survived by her nephew, David Hord, his wife Carla Hord and their children Katherine, Andrew and Charlotte as well as her niece, Barbie Michalides and husband Paul Michaelides.
Barbara is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Mildred Hord, as well as her brother, Donnel Hord and sister, Lanell Haxton.
The family would like to thank Barbara’s amazing caregivers Eileen, Tina, Tiana and Pita who provided endless care and love to Barbara.
Barbara will be laid to rest at Fresno Memorial Garden. The family requests that instead of flowers, remembrances be made to the Bay Area Tumor Institute, Meals on Wheels, San Francisco and Project Glimmer.