Barbara Joyce Johnson by Jerry Madison Harrison

Life’s Reflections

Barbara Joyce Davis (Joyce) was born June 14,1941 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ollie Davis Sr. Barbara was preceded in death by both her parents and her older brother, Ollie Davis Jr. As a native Memphian, she proudly attended Hamilton High School from grades one to twelve. Upon graduation, she attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Barbara was first introduced to the Lord by her parents at Greenwood C.M.E. Church participating in children and youth activities.

Upon graduation from Lincoln, Barbara moved to Detroit, Michigan. She began her teaching career at Spain Junior High and later moved to teaching business education at Northern High School. While at Northern she was appointed coordinator for Business Office Professionals. Under her guidance and teaching, her students participated in and won many awards in both city and regional competitions. In Detroit, Barbara was a member of Unity Baptist Church. At Unity, she was an active member in its award-winning choir.

Upon her retirement, Barbara returned home to Memphis. Not being one to sit around she continued her teaching experience, as a tutor at Sacred Heart School in Southaven, MS. Her final employment utilizing her business background, was as a receptionist for H&R Block.

Barbara became an active member of Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church under Dr. Brian Henderson.

As an active member of Parkway Gardens, Barbara displayed her gifts and talents in many ways. She shared prayers with the PGU Prayer Ministry on Mondays and was a member of the Prayer Connection. On Wednesdays she could be found participating with the telephone Bible study ministry. Mrs. Johnson was elected to serve on the PGU Deacon Board three times. In February 2024 she was honored by the church for her service to the Lord and to Parkway Gardens.

Pastor Henderson recognizing her organizing abilities appointed her to coordinate the church’s repast celebration. In this area she and her other volunteers served up some delicious soul food meals in a happy environment to ease the grief of our church members and their families.

Still the hard-working church lady, Barbara has utilized her past skill as an educator to coordinate the Acolyte Ministry, training for our younger church members so that they could learn the reverent and respectful manner in which to open and close church services. With this task she made certain that the children were properly attired, personally washing and ironing their robes. As if all this were not enough, she managed to proofread the church bulletin each week. That was her business education background at work.

Barbara was an active organizer, vice president and participant in her neighborhood watch group, Oakwood Owls.

To know Barbara was to know a superb homemaker. A woman who could rock some soul food. A cook who made bunny cakes for her nieces and nephews at Easter. Her desserts and zucchini bread were shipped from Detroit to Memphis and Sacramento to her family members. Her family, especially her father and brothers eagerly awaited her treats and were never disappointed. Barbara’s mother often stated that she used her desserts to bribe her father. Yet, at the same time her mother always said she was just getting a sliver of cake somehow those slivers would turn into a nonexistent cake. Joyce’s home was always immaculate and welcoming. To top it all off, she made most of her clothing. Barbara leaves to remember her legacy with love her sister Linda Hayes (Memphis), her brother Steven Davis (Alice) (Sacramento, CA), and sister, Elsie Simmons (Anthony) (Memphis). She also leaves three nieces and six nephews, several great nieces and nephews, an aunt, many cousins, friends, and neighbors. Also, grieving her loss is her special person, Slyvester Johnson, (Montgomery, AL.} and her very loved and special adopted sons, Reginald and Willie Bowens-Goings.

In her final days, Barbara was often heard having conversations with her mother, at 5:04 p.m. on Monday July 8, 2024, God dispensed His angels “well-done Joyce come home.”

Order of Celebration

Saturday, July 20, 2024 11:00 A.M.

Parkway Gardens Presbytrian Church 1005 E. Shelby Dr. Memphis, Tennessee 38116

Rev. Katral Rainey, Senior Pastor

Musical Prelude

Processional........................................................................................The Family of Barbara Johnson

Welcoming Words & Tributes......................................................................................Mrs. Affie Perkins

Prayer...........................................................................................................................Mrs. Betty Taylor

Scripture Readings: Psalm 78:26..............................................................................Mrs. Mattie Carter

Musical Selection...................................................................................Parkway Gardens United Choir “Jesus Promises Me a Home Over There”

Musical Medley.......................................................................Chris Sanders & Ashley Davis (Nephew)

Life Tributes

Mrs. Bertha Looney - Friend & Classmate

Ms. Nicki Cline - Parkway Gardens United Elaine Campbell - Close Friend Reginald Goings - Adopted Son

Musical Selection........................................................................................................Ms. Joei Campbell “Oh How Precious”

Eulogy........................................................................................................................Rev. Katral Rainey Pastor, Parkway Gardens United

Acknowledgements........................................................................................................Ms. Linda Hayes

Recessional

My Other Mother

Though I’ve never called you “Mother” In my heart I hope you knew, That you’ll always be remembered For the seeds of love you sow.

You’ll forever be regarded For your kind and gentle way, For your words of love and guidance, Things that only Mothers say.

And though I’ve never said it, Still, I pray that you can see, You have been my “Other Mother” And forever shall you be!

Genie Graveline

Big Sister

We knew not on that fateful Monday God was to call your name (Barbara Joyce) come home. In life we loved you dearly, in death we’ll do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you Joyce, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you- Joyce come home. Some knew you as Barbara-we knew you as Joyce

But you left us beautiful memories. As our big sister you were often our counselor and guide And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side.

So, rest my dear sweet sister-Joyce

We know you have gone to a special place

Where others we loved have gone. I can see big smiles all around as arms are opened To welcome you to your new heavenly home.

Love-Baby Sister Elsie Olletta

By: Little Sister Linda Hayes

When God created man, He and He alone knew every need. He created a woman for a man. He created a child for both the man and woman. God then created little boys to be what we labeled our brothers. But then God created that special bond that we call sisters.

Now, if you have a sister, you will understand what I say. Sisters are very bossy. Sisters are pesky. Sisters are petty. Sisters are gossipy. Sisters are sassy. Sisters are brassy. Sisters are snitches. Yet, the craziness of your sister will keep you on the floor in stitches. Sisters can pluck every one of your nerves. “Everywhere I go, I’ve got to take you with me,” snarled my big sister.

Sisters are borrowers. Sister are stealers of your most important and cherished things. “Stay out of my stuff,” yelled my sister. Sisters are talkative. Sisters are argumentative. Sisters know it all, see it all, and to our parents, tell it all. Sisters are like human washing machines. They aggravate and agitate. “You really make me sick. I can’t stand you,” said my sister through her clenched teeth. Sisters can be vindictive. “Ooh! Just wait until Mama and Daddy leave. I’m going to get you,” said my sister staring at me with her eyes squinched intently. But remember, God made sisters, and believe it or not, they really were sent from above. Sisters are special. Sisters are there for each other whether near of far. Sister will listen. Sisters show care. Sisters will even help you learn how to style your hair. “Come on over here,” she says. “Now that looks better,” as she styles, straighten, combs, or braids my hair. We both look at one another and smile. That’s my big sister and despite it all, she cares in her own way.

But best of all, sisters are God’s gift, because a sister is a gift of love sent from our precious Lord to share with you that special brand of sisterly love.

Sister Cry

The greatest sister I could have in this lifetime! You gave me the world, and I never had to ask. You gave my kids unconditional love, the best auntie ever! You had the most joyous spirit and giving heart. You loved me differently than everyone & always made me feel uniquely special. You’ll always be my favorite. For 28 years, God blessed me with having you as a part of my life. You showed me what real sibling love looks like. You gave us your all and will always be a key to holding the family together. Gone too soon, I will genuinely miss everything about you! Until we meet again, sister, save me a spot. You were the gift that kept giving, and your name will live through me; I LOVE YOU FOREVER, My Big Baby, Your Favorite little sister. I’m grateful I could take care of you until the end.

Acknowledgements ~

The family of Barbara Joyce Johnson would like to thank all of you for your many prayers, calls, expressions of sympathy, and all acts of kindness shown during our time of bereavement. Whatever you have done to console our hearts, we greatly appreciate your part. May God bless you. Special Thanks to the Staff of Baptist Hospital East, DeSoto and Hospice Care.

~The Family ~ Committal Rites & Interment ~

Brian Simmons

Kelsey Simmons

Patrick Johnson

Archie Veasey

Reginald Goings

Anthony Simmons

DeWayne Goodwin