Barbara Kay Johnson, daughter of Lyle David and Marian L. Johnson, was born 25 April 1947 in Michigan. Barb was a member of the Class of 1966 at Okemos High School. She was killed in a head-on collision New Year's Eve 1 January 1964. Barb was interred Maple Grove Cemetery, Mason, Ingham County, Michigan.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 2 January 1964
GIRL KILLED, 3 INJURED IN COLLISION
OKEMOS SOPHOMORE THROWN FROM CAR IN HAMILTON RD. CRASH
An Okemos High School sophomore died at one minute after midnight Tuesday of injuries received New Year's Eve in a head-on collision on Hamilton Road.
The auto crash victim, Barbara Kay Johnson, 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle D. Johnson of 2133 Sandhill Road, R. 4, Mason, suffered head injuries, state police said.
She was a passenger in a car driven by William L. Moffitt, 17, of 5056 Powell Road, Okemos. Police said she was thrown out of the car.
The other car was driven by Raymond B. Cleghorn, 44 of R. 3, Bellevue. Cleghorn's wife, Delores, suffered a broken left arm, severe head cuts, a right knee fracture, shock and a skull injury, and was in critical condtion until today when she showed improvement, according to Sparrow Hospital attendants.
Cleghorn also was in good condition today with face cuts and a broken nose.
The Moffitt youth suffered skull injuries and a left leg bruise and was also listed as in good condition.
State police were still investigating the collision, which happened about 10 p.m. Tuesday on Hamilton, west of Dobie Road. One witness said another vehicle caused the accident and then fled.
The Johnson girl is survived by the parents; four brothers, David, Robert, Denis and Terry, at home; two sisters, Louise and Debra, at home; three half-brothers, Ronald, Donald and Raymond Crippen, all of Lansing, and her grandmother, Mrs. Bernice Roseboom of Perry.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ball-Dunn Funeral Home, Mason. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Mason.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 2 January 1964
Barbara Johnson, an Okemos resident whom police said was 16 or 17 years old, died in a head-on collision of two cars at the outskirts of Okemos Tuesday night.
Sherrie Paty (Barber) (1966)
Barb and I became nice friends early in our sophomore school year, 1963-64. My then best friend, Denise Foerch, was instrumental in our friendship. All of us took gym together and Denise had a kind heart. Barb had problems in her personal life and didn't know about body hygiene or how to care for her clothes or hair. Denise, who loved projects, enlisted me and between us we set Barb on track. Not only did the three of us have fun but we also cemented a nice friendship. I didn't know a thing about make up but Barb taught me how to apply lipstick and mascara. In turn I gave her a sweater and a couple tops. It was a good trade!
Denise and I had the opportunity to go north on a church sponsored winter retreat during Christmas break. I remember climbing off the return bus, pillow under arm, and being met by my Mom in the icy Frandor Shopping Center parking lot. She sadly told both of us about Barb's accident and death. Denise and I made a pact that we were going to attend the funeral and did so. Denise borrowed her parent's green VW, we left Friday afternoon school (with permission) and drove to Mason to attend Barb's funeral service. We were the only people from OHS there and we were also the only friends, outside of family that attended.
I've never forgotten Barb. She was really a sweet person.....and she taught me life lessons that I have carried with me to this day. Outward appearance can conceal a heart of gold!
Sherrie Paty Barber
St. Cloud, Florida
Rodney Ellis (Alumni Assoc. President) (1965)
Oh Sherrie, how sad. Thank you for teaching all of us to find the best in a person and always remembering.