Barbara Johnson

Barbara Sue Johnson “BJ” passed away peacefully at home Monday afternoon, April 26, 2021. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and friends.

On September 27, 1943, in Canton Missouri, Barbara Sue Johnson “BJ” was the fourth daughter born to Ruth Lear and John Virgil Butler.  At the age of 3 she went to live with Mills and Julia Lear in Alliance, NE.

Barbara Sue “BJ” moved to Denver CO she met and married William Sanders in 1959 from that union two children were born. Preceded in death was 1 daughter and William in 1960.

In 1961, Barbara Sue “BJ” and William Cranon were considered Common Law married, after this union ended in 1962, she moved to Dubuque, IA. There she worked as a Head Start Teacher’s Assistant and later moved on and started working for the United Way.

In 1966, Barbara Sue “BJ” decided to move to Davenport, IA she worked as Supervisor of the Evaluation Center at Iowa Annie Wittenmyer Home until 1969.

In 1970, she entered her 3rd marriage to Gerald Johnson. Gerald preceded her in death in 1975. With 4 children and 1 stepchild Barbara Sue “BJ” strived to be the best Mother she could be.

In 1975, Barbara Sue “BJ” started Bartending in-between jobs and everyone around her found out she was a social butterfly and could never meet a stranger. “She was the life of the party” She loved cooking, dancing, and of course entertaining.  One of her deep passions was to meet new people. So, many of her jobs consisted of caring for others and their needs in some sort of way.  She also became a Mary Kay Consultant and earned enough to attend the big seminar in Dallas, Tx. In her spare time, she enjoyed volunteering at her great grandson’s pre-school in which they awarded her to a beautiful luncheon in Downtown Denver and presented her with a certificate for her excellence.  She loved being around family and friends and adored playing with and teaching her grand and great grandchildren. She was their “Coco to their Chanel” Amazingly Barbara Sue “BJ” worked until she was 74 years old and had well over 60 years of customer service with many achievements. She ended her career as an Administrative Assistant at Rasco Janitorial Services.  Barbara Sue “BJ” touched many lives with her bright, energetic personality and generosity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Barbara Sue “BJ” was proceeded in death by her father, John Virgil Butler; mother, Ruth Lear; sister, Norma Wilkins; adopted daughter, Vanessa Stephens. Those left to cherish her memories include her son, Keith Cranon of Denver CO; three daughters, Andrea Sanders of Aurora CO, Terri Coleman of Old Town, FL, Suzanne Woods of Aurora, CO; one stepdaughter, Geraldine Coleman of New Albany, OH; one adopted son, Milton Anderson; three sisters, Frances L Crider of Quincy, IL, Virginia Butler of Aurora, CO, Ruth A. Anderson of Aurora, CO; her grandchildren, Sasha L. Johnson, Elijah A. Johnson, Tony Bryson, Regis R. Smith, Tiffany Johnson, Ebony Randell, Gregory Coleman Jr.; 2 adopted grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives including many friends.