Barbara Jean Johnston

BARBARA JEAN JOHNSTON Johnston, Barbara J. Age 94, passed away March 13, 2023. Preceded in death by her parents Irene L. & Earl R. Johnston I and nephew Earl R. Johnston III. Survived by her brother, Earl R. Johnston II (Gail), two nieces, Jennifer Cohen, and Jackie Johnson. Four great nieces, one great nephew and one great great niece. Barb was a resident of Crystal, MN spending the last 15 years under the wonderful care at Walker Methodist Health Center. Growing up Barb loved spending time up north with her family, she attended Robbinsdale schools and enjoyed participating in girls' sports throughout the years, she graduated in 1947 as class valedictorian. Barb spent her next four years at Macalester College in Saint Paul and then went to the University of North Carolina to get her master's degree. Barb traveled to Europe and visited many countries, at the end of her travels before heading home, she was honored to be an educator for NATO at the University of Maryland in Paris. Upon returning home she enrolled at the University of Minnesota where she received her Doctorate Degree in Sociology. Barb was very passionate about many things in her life, education was at the top of her list. She taught at Macalester College in Saint Paul, St. Olaf in Northfield and ended her career at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park. She was a professor, a researcher, a community advocate, and a social justice activist in a variety of local, reginal, and national venues. Her stellar academic pursuits included the first research ever done in the area of child abuse and neglect, family violence and domestic assault, she taught the first course in family violence in the nation. Barb also received many honors throughout her life. In 1989 she received the first annual Outstanding Contributions to Teaching award given by the Sociologists of Minnesota, in 1991 the Minnesota Professor of the Year award and the 1994 Faculty Member of the Year award given by the Minnesota State Board for Community Colleges. In 1991 she also received the Human Rights award from the city of Crystal. Barb also had many interests outside of teaching. She had a love for the theatre, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Minnesota Twins. She enjoyed time spent with her friends in Wisconsin, working in her yard and the arrival of her beautiful tulips every spring. Barb has been a long-time member at Valley Community Church in Golden Valley. Barb lived a long and full life, she was a sister, aunt, mentor, teacher, and a friend to many of her students. She will be remembered by all as Dr. "J". A private celebration of her life will be held for her immediate family. Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Barbara J. Johnston Endowed Scholarship for Re-Entry Women through North Hennepin Community College. https://www.nhcc.edu/about-nhcc/nhcc-foundation Scroll down to Your Gift, GIVE TODAY, specify scholarship: Dr. Barbara J. Johnston Endowed Scholarship for Re-Entry Women.

Tributes

Barbara Jean Johnston

March 9, 1929 - March 13, 2023

Tributes

Barbara Jean Johnston

March 9, 1929 - March 13, 2023

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