Barbara A. Johnson, 68, of Poughkeepsie
POUGHKEEPSIE >> Barbara A. Johnson entered into eternal rest on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. She was 68.
Barbara was born Dec. 6, 1943, in Queens, N.Y. She attended New York City Public Schools. In 1961 she relocated from N.Y.C. to Kingston, N.Y., where she remained until 1962. In 1968, Barbara married her beloved husband, Ralph Johnson, and found their home in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
She worked at Vassar Hospital for 37 years in the field of Nursing, where she received a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding service. She was a member of the Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. She faithfully served her congregation as the President of the Missionary Department, Y’Pac Youth Council Leader, member of the Christian Education Department, class leader, and member of the Stewardess Board.
Barbara served as a member of the Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Twinks Civic Social Club, Inc. for over 10 years.
She will be remembered for her phenomenal cooking and her never ending words of encouragement to everyone she came in contact with. Her gentle and kind heart will be missed dearly. Anyone who had the pleasure of interacting with Barbara knew that she was a stern, no nonsense woman of character. She loved hard and expected much!
Barbara leaves behind three loving children: Kevin Cravey of New York, N.Y., Keith Blades and Denise Johnson both of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; two stepchildren, Diane and Craig Johnson; 12 grandchildren: Malaysha J. Cravey, Maleisha J. Cravey, Kiara A. Cravey, Trevon Ling, Phillip Blades, Donte Blades, Justen Blades, Christian Blades, Jaleesa Blades, Tanisha Herring, Mark Thomas, and Chadijah Roberts; 17 greatgrandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby and his wife, Evelyn and Eugene and his wife, Gloria; and sisters-in-law, Evy and Carolyn (Sis). She also leaves behind one special sister, Mary Hayes; her Godson, Maurice Hayes; and one Goddaughter, Trishann Hayes, along with several nieces, nephews, and a host of others who will miss her dearly.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her Aunt, Lucille Azular; stepdaughter, Debbie; and her honorary Grandmother, Sadie Shepard.
The Johnson Family would like to extend a sincere Thank You to Christal Bennermon, Tiffany Copher, and Shelly Smith; three amazing aides who took great care of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. We can’t thank you enough!
Mrs. Johnson will repose 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, at Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 124 Smith Street, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Dr. Sutton will officiate. Interment at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Professional services entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Homes, 43 Fairview Ave., Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 12601. “Committed To Being The Very Best.” Call us anytime 845-452-2894 or 845452-6143.