Barbara Speer Johnson was the owner of Speer & Speer funeral home in Henry County.
Johnson had a large extended family, those who came to the oldest African-American funeral home in Henry County for funeral services. She touched many lives with her comforting smile.
“The community depended upon her,” said Paulette Amis-Palmer, a former customer and friend. “She was almost like a family member.”
“Everybody loved mama,” said her son Michael Dion Johnson.
Johnson grew up in the funeral industry. Her grandparents Joe and Vera Speer founded Speer & Speer funeral home more than 90 years ago. Johnson became owner in 1968. She received her funeral director’s license in 1972.
Frequently Johnson went above and beyond for her family, friends and customers, who said she was a great giver of advice and a shoulder to cry on.
“She was very professional, dependable and would do anything she could to help,” said Amis-Palmer.
Barbara Speer Johnson died Thursday of cancer at Emory Midtown hospital. She was 75. A funeral service was Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church, 262 Macon St., McDonough. Speer & Speer Funeral Home, 97 Griffin Rd., McDonough is in charge of arrangements.
“She buried my mom and my dad,” said Norma Jean Bell, who added, “I’ve seen her give her last to people. She was a pillar in the Henry County community.”
Johnson was also heavily involved in her church, Shiloh Baptist. She served in the mission society and usher, trustee, finance and culinary ministries and was former president of the mother board ministry.
She didn’t have much free time: “On the Saturday’s we didn’t have a funeral, she would do hair,” said Johnson of his mother. He said she always found time to help other people.
She handled the entire funeral process for all her clients. From beginning to end, to hair and makeup. Even as her health declined she still made her way to the funeral home to help.
“She wanted to buy my mother a dress,” said Bell. “That was just the kind of person she was.”
Smart, wise and honest, Johnson graduated from Howard High School in Atlanta and was a member of the National Honor Society. She later attended Spelman College.
“She was a beautiful lady I treasured working with,” said Cedric E. Nealey, Speer & Speer funeral director.
“We will continue serving the community,” Nealey said.
In addition to her son Michael Dion, Johnson is survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Nino Maurice Johnson.
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