Barbara Johnson

Barbara Jean Johnson, 76, of Stevens Point, WI, was called home to God on Friday, April 9, 2021 while at her home of 34 years. Barb was born on March 6, 1945 in Reading, England, to the late Frances (Heagney) Chilson and US Army Master Sergeant Mandel "Ernie" E. Chilson. Frances, brother Alan, and baby Barb crossed the Atlantic on the war bride ship, the Queen Mary, in 1946, meeting Ernie in New York and eventually moving to the Winona, MN area at the end of World War II. The family moved to Stewartville, MN a few years later. Barb graduated from high school in 1963 in Tioga, North Dakota.

Barb married Robert "Bob" D. Elliott on August 13, 1963 and had two children, Kyle and Debra. Barb moved to the central Wisconsin area in 1975. She managed Braun's clothing store in Wisconsin Rapids, as well as the Square Bar and the Elbow Room in Stevens Point. Barb married Wayne L. Johnson on February 29, 1988.

Barb was very close with her siblings, often sharing an evening phone call to catch up on life and family events, as each sibling lived in a different state. Barb enjoyed playing online bingo with friends far and wide, as well as the occasional trip to go "gallavanting" with friends. She was a good and caring friend to her neighbors or to any stranger she met while running errands. Barb was known by many as one of the sweetest and kindest people you could meet, but her close family also knew of her English wit. Barb had many talents, but her greatest joy was her granddaughter, Kylie Morgan.

Barb would often share the story of setting her free from her mom, Deb, and "cutting her cord"; the two shared a very special relationship from that point on. Barb was present for all the events in Kylie's life, from elementary school orchestra concerts, soccer games, to Kylie's high school graduation. Health prevented Barb from attending Kylie's graduation from UW-Stevens Point in person, but she continued to be a strong support to Kylie through her last day. Barb's daughter Deb took immaculate care of Barb for the last several years as various health issues ailed her, but she continued to have a positive spirit about everything, knowing God was by her side through it all.

Barb was preceded in death by both parents, her older brother, Alan, her ex-husband, Bob Elliott, and son, Kyle. Survivors include her daughter, Debra Abel, granddaughter, Kylie Abel, both of Stevens Point; her granddaughter, Nicole Battaglioli (Eric) of Atlanta, GA; her sisters Marie (Aaron) Soine of Ray, ND, Mary Whitlock of Wessington Springs, SD and Roy Chilson of Arrington, TN; her sister in-law, Lois Chilson, of Indialantic, FL, as well as several nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Barb is also survived by her husband, Wayne.

Per Barb's wishes, there will be no public services at this time. Pisarski Funeral Homes of Stevens Point and Plover are honored to be serving the family.

The family plans to celebrate Barb's life at a later date. "In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family in her memory."

Barb will be greatly missed. We love you to the moon and back.

Her daughter and granddaughter would like to leave you with a poem Barb wrote entitled, Hope

Have you ever looked upon a tree

One that was decorated by God above.
Raindrops here and there.
Perfect in every way.
They glisten in the sun.
Make you see His reason for love.
The beauty of each little drop
as you pass by.
Makes you realize
you are not alone.
If God will take the time to
decorate a tree,
then there is hope for you and me.