Barbara Mae Ginn Johnson left this earth and went to her heavenly home on January 2, 2021 in Springfield, Missouri. She was born April 16, 1934 in Victorville, California to Rausey and Zoe Sewell. She grew up in Monahans, Texas with her parents and sister, Maggie. Maggie recalls Barbara being so pretty and outgoing as a child, having many friends, and loving animals. Barbara graduated early from Monahans High School with the class of 1951. She attended college at Drury University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. At Drury, she met the love of her life Ronald L. Ginn. They married in 1954 and shared 30 beautiful years together before his passing. After marrying, they moved to El Paso where Barbara graduated from Texas Western University in 1956 and then returned to Springfield in 1961. Together they raised three children and led a full life, greatly involved in their church community and local politics. Later in life, she was fortunate to find love again and enjoyed 14 years of marriage with Ivan Johnson. In this union she gained four more children and their families: Lee Johnson, Jeanie McDaniel, Danny Johnson, Peggy Root, their children and grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much.

Barbara held a Bachelor of Arts and Master degree in Education. She greatly valued the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, always seeking to grow in understanding of the world and people around her. Her career as a public school educator spanned 35 years, and she exemplified the power of believing in a child's potential while loving them unconditionally. After retiring, she never could walk away from her life's calling and continued to volunteer and teach in various settings. Most recently she was working as a teacher in the Adult Education and Literacy program at OTC. She loved being able to help those students pursue their educational and career goals. Barbara maintained an active lifestyle and formed wonderful friendships through her water aerobics classes. She loved being a member of Elwood United Methodist Church where she faithfully served as pianist for 58 years and was a devoted patron, taking on many leadership roles including church treasurer. She loved Jesus and followed the example of her Savior in the way she loved others.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Ronald L. Ginn, her husband Ivan Johnson, parents Rausey and Zoe Sewell, parents-in-law Ted and Lula Ginn, brother-in-law Ted Ginn Jr, and her sister-in-law Nancy Rhea. She is survived by her sister Maggie Becknell and husband Lyle, sister-in-law Ann Hindman and husband Sonny, brother-in-law Gale Rhea, daughter Mary Zoe Gaba Shields and husband James, son Ronald Lee Ginn Jr. and wife Narya, daughter Debra Lynn Ginn Futrell, 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, as well as a multitude of step and extended family members who were very special to her. Barbara was beloved by those who knew her and will be missed dearly by many.

Due to COVID-19 the family requests that those in attendance at visitation and funeral services wear masks and respect social distancing. An informal visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Service will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. https://www.facebook.com/alloccasionvideo/. Graveside service to follow at White Chapel Cemetery.

Barbara's memorial slideshow can be viewed here .