Barbara Jean Johnson (Hammer)

Barbara Jean Johnson (Hammer), née Cunningham, went home to Jesus on February 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis spanning more than six decades. She truly fought the good fight. Throughout her life, Barbara remained steadfast in her faith and wished to be remembered for her deep love of the Lord.

Born on March 7, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Barbara was the youngest daughter of Clarence (Ted) McKinley Cunningham and Mary Elizabeth (Burton) Cunningham. She is survived by her sister, Grace McAllister.

Barbara was predeceased by her eldest child, Vanda Joseph Boutté III, and her granddaughter, Jennifer Eve Franet. She was also preceded in death by Vanda Joseph Boutté Jr., the father of her five eldest children; Henry Makaehu Mossman ("Sonny Keala"), the father of her youngest child; as well as her ex-husband and good friend, Eugene A. Johnson.

Against extraordinary odds, in the midst of COVID, Barbara was blessed to meet and marry, Bruce Hammer. Bruce and Barbara shared love, laughs, and companionship until Bruce's passing in April 2023. Barbara dearly missed Bruce - and we are comforted in knowing that they are together again.

Barbara loved her children (and told each one that they were her "favorite"). She is survived by five of her six children: Michelle Boutté Burke, Ronald Vincent Boutté, Stephen Michael Boutté, Gerard (Jerry) Jude Boutté, and David (Kawika) Anthony Keala. Barbara's legacy continues through her six surviving grandchildren: Angelique Boutté-Walthoff, Elisabeth Boutté, Ronald Boutté, Jr., Dominic Burke, Joel Burke, and Felicia Boutté, eleven great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Barbara attended college part-time while working and attained her bachelor's degree and teaching credential. She enjoyed her years of employment at the Sacramento Housing Authority. After retirement Barbara sought ways to be helpful to others by volunteering at any opportunity, including teaching adults to read and as an election worker. Barbara was also an avid genealogy researcher.

Barbara's salvation and life as a Christian were priceless to her. She was a devoted member of Calvary Chapel of Sacramento. She found great joy in attending Sunday service and Bible study, and participating in the "No Talent Talent Show", retreats, Seder supper, the Women's Christmas Dinner, and other church events. Barbara would tell you that she wanted to be at Calvary Chapel "whenever the doors are open." She treasured her church family and was greatly loved by them in return.

In her final days, Barbara shared precious time with her Sisters in Christ, Sophie and Claire, singing hymns and offering prayers of gratitude. Though often confined to bed, Barbara remained committed to daily prayers, alongside her decades-long prayer partner, Anne. Barbara's final words - "Thank You, Lord..." (the beginning verse of one of her favorite hymns) were a testament to her unwavering faith.

Barbara spent the last eight years of her life in a nursing home due to her physical disabilities. She always longed to return to the comforts of her little home with her beloved pets, yard and flowers, and freedom. Despite the challenges of facility life, Barbara found solace in faith and the kindness and love of special caregivers, especially "Bee." Her morning routine started with Bee calling out, "Beautiful Barbara," and Barbara singing back, "Wonderful Bee." Their friendship brought joy and light even in the most difficult times.

Barbara embraced life fully. She found happiness in simple pleasures - church, time with family and friends, her pets, fragrant flowers ("stinky" as she called them), music, movies, musicals and plays, and travel, especially to Hawaii. She delighted in sunshine on her face, plumeria cologne, and long dresses in pretty floral colors. She loved chili and cornbread, watermelon, honey sticks, lemonade, KFC, mixed nuts, and black licorice. She kept a "secret stash" of Macadamia nut chocolates, candy bars, and potato chips to share with her visitors. Barbara asked for little and gave much.

Barbara always wore her cross around her neck, and encouraged others with her smile, laughter, kindness, wisdom, generosity, and the Word of God. Her phone voice message cheerfully ended with, "You make it a great day!" In spite of many hardships, Barbara's spirit remained resilient and joyful - and she truly loved life.

Barbara was honored with a celebration of life at Calvary Chapel of Sacramento on April 6, 2024. She was laid to rest alongside Bruce at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

May Barbara's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.