Barbara Jean Simmons Johnson, 76, of Rochester, formerly of Litchfield, died on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 12 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Pastor Gary J. Schwab, ThD, of First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield will officiate. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery near Waggoner. Visitation will be on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Johnson was born on Sept. 28, 1949, in East Chicago, IN, a daughter of Wilton R. “Poke” Simmons Sr. and Genevieve T. (Lasko) Simmons. She was a member of the Litchfield High School class of 1967. She had owned St. Clair Mobile Home Sales in Salem and was later employed as executive secretary for Crime Scene Services Command at Illinois State Police.
She married Ronald H. Johnson on May 10, 2008, in Litchfield and they enjoyed 16 years of marriage until his passing on Sept. 30, 2024.
Mrs. Johnson enjoyed her calling as a Sunday school teacher at Chatham United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, watching movies and shopping and was an excellent baker who was known for her cherry pastries and pumpkin roll. Above all, she cherished the time spent watching her grandchildren and spending time with her family in Litchfield.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Barrall of Carbondale, Jennifer (John) Osmer of Rochester and Jody (Jeffrey) Haas of Navarre, FL; son, Kurt Johnson of Edwardsville; brothers, Melvin “Hop” Simmons of Flat Rock, NC, Kenneth Simmons, Wilton Simmons, Jr. and Joe Simmons, all of Litchfield; sisters, Joyce Gifford of Bement and Lillie Blevins of Litchfield; and grandchildren, Mason Osmer, Griffin Osmer, Weston Osmer, Hayden Johnson, Nina Johnson and Lauren Smith.
Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ron; and a sister, Mary Flynn.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Road S.W., Lilburn, GA, 30047 or by calling 404-935-6444. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the Johnson family. To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
