Barbara Elizabeth Johnston

Barbara Elizabeth Johnston was born on August 24, 1947, and peacefully passed from this life on June 29, 2026, at the age of 79. After nearly 60 years of marriage, she spent only 171 days apart from the love of her life, Lawrence, before the Lord called her home. We'd like to think she found him waiting for her there, on that eternal porch swing in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence D. Johnston; her parents, Sara and Will McKinley; her sister, Ruth Burton (Gary); and her brother, Will McKinley.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Johnston Langley and Amy Johnston Herrera (Diego); her grandchildren, Blakeleigh Lunceford (Austin) and Tristin Railey; her brother, David McKinley (Kathy); a host of nieces and nephews; many dear friends; and her loyal companions, Moo and Arlo.

We all know the saying about somebody giving you the shirt off their back. Most of the time it's just something folks say. But every now and then, you meet someone who really would. Barbara was one of those people. She was just plain good.

If you ever spent much time at Barbara's house, chances are you didn't leave empty-handed. You probably walked out with a full stomach, leftovers in one hand, and maybe a jar of homemade salsa or jelly in the other. If you were especially lucky, a box from her kitchen might show up in your mailbox out of the blue, or you'd catch her pulling a hot skillet of cornbread from the oven while a pot of vegetable soup was simmering on the stove. She never met a bird feeder she wouldn't fill, a stray animal -or person- she wouldn't feed, or a family keepsake she thought ought to be thrown away.

As we've reflected on her life these past few days, we've found ourselves thinking about all the little things that made Momma who she was. She was a natural beauty, and about as down-to-earth as they come. She never cared much for jewelry, makeup, or fancy clothes. She was happiest barefoot in a pair of old blue jean shorts, with dirt from the garden under her fingernails and the warm Alabama sun shining on her face. She was a country girl through and through. She could clean a fish, process a deer, can just about anything that came out of the garden, and make a quilt good enough to outlast us all. She was as handy with a needle and thread, as she was with a gun. If she couldn't grow it, sew it, can it, cook it, or make it herself, she probably didn't need it. As far as she was concerned, the grocery store was only for the things she couldn't produce at home. She loved chocolate ice cream, rocking chairs, a kitchen full of people, her grandchildren, and, of course, Elvis Presley. And as far as we know, they all held equal rank... at least until the grandchildren came along.

Truth be told, we don't think she ever wanted much more out of life than that. And somehow, in wanting so little for herself, she found a way to give the rest of us so much more.

We spend so much of our lives trying to keep up, keep score, and keep up with the Joneses that we sometimes forget to keep the people we love close. Momma never forgot. She kept the recipes. She kept the beans her grandmother planted. She kept her momma's Bible. She kept quilts to keep us warm, stories to pass down, and a place at her table. She always kept room in her heart for her family, whether we'd earned it or not. We know that's because she believed in God, and she believed in grace. She had a hard time throwing away anything that belonged to somebody she loved because, to her, it wasn't just a thing, it was part of their story. Looking back now, we don't think she was holding on to things. We think she was holding on to people. Today, we find comfort knowing she's Home, with Lawrence, and they're sitting together somewhere with all the folks she's been missing for so long.

If Barbara taught us anything, it's that the best things in life were never complicated. If you'd like to honor her, you don't have to do anything fancy. Call your mom. Check on somebody who's been on your mind. Sit on the porch a little longer. Pull up another chair at the table. Make a little extra when you cook, because you never know who might need a plate. Fill the bird feeders and feed the critters. Plant a little more than you need so you'll have something to share. Save the family recipes. Tell the old stories. And when somebody lets you down, show them a little grace. Lord knows we've all needed it at one time or another.

We think Barbara would be happy with that.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm at Patterson-Forest Grove. Following the visitation, there will be a few words shared in her memory by her dear friend, Jerry Short.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Black Warrior Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting the river that meant so much to Barbara and Lawrence. The Black Warrior River was more than just a place to them. It was where they raised their family, taught their girls to fish, garden, and appreciate God's creation, and made a lifetime of memories together. We can't think of a more fitting way to honor their legacy than by helping preserve the place they loved for generations to come.

Memorial donations may be made to Black Warrior Riverkeeper at: https://blackwarriorriver.org/donate/

Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Johnston family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com 

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