Barbara L. Johnston

Barbara L. Johnston of Albuquerque passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at the age of 67. She was born on Saturday, April 14, 1953 in Norfolk, VA to Walter and Ethel Padbury. Barbara married James Johnston her beloved husband of 47 years on Friday, June 29, 1973. She was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.



She is survived by her husband, James Johnston; son, Brent Johnston and wife Sandra and grandchildren, Brittney, James, and Condoleezza, and great-granddaughter, Aniyah; son, Jeff Johnston and wife Karen, and grandchildren, Ryan and Katelyn; and brother; Walter Padbury.



Barbara loved being a mother and investing in the future generation. At the age of 39, Barbara went back and finished her bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of New Mexico. She worked for Hope Christian School after graduating, teaching kindergarten, first, and third grades until her retirement in 2007. She poured herself into her students in a real and personal way. Whether it was creating personalized craft projects for each student, or tutoring after school hours, she went above and beyond to make an impact on those she taught.



Barbara was a committed Christian and member of Bella Vista Baptist Church for over 32 years. During her time, she worked in many ministries of the church. She taught 5th-grade girl’s Sunday School, helped in the Junior Church, worked in the bus ministry, sang in the choir, and took advantage of many other areas to help and serve people throughout the years.



Although her last years were plagued with illness that limited her ability physically, she never stopped praying for others, or striving to find ways to encourage those who needed it.



A Private Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Bella Vista Baptist Church, 2800 Louisiana NE, 87110