Obituary

Barbara Johnson Hale, 90, of Chesterfield, VA went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 8, 2021. She loved Jesus and loved being a part of her local church. She was a faithful member of several church communities during her well-lived life. She was a long-time member of First Congregational Church of Chester, New Jersey, and later during her years in Richmond, Virginia she attended Westover Baptist Church. Most recently, she attended Southside Church of the Nazarene in Chesterfield, Virginia.

Always an independent woman, Barbara moved to Chicago as a young adult to find her own way. Her independence would serve her well when her husband passed away and she became a single mother. She worked hard to provide for her family, imparting her strong work ethic to her son, Jamie. Barbara spent much of her working career as a trusted office manager and executive assistant to the CEO and President of Rudolph Research. During her more recent years in Richmond, Virginia, Barbara was the office manager and financial assistant at Westover Baptist Church, where she also counted the church staff as close friends.

In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed gardening, traveling, and entertaining. Her favorite vacation locations were Cape Cod, Sweden, Iceland, and the National Parks. She also loved to host dinner parties and entertain her friends. Thanksgiving was a favorite holiday for Barbara, and she enjoyed planning elaborate meals for her loved ones.

Barbara loved spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved her two grandchildren. She enjoyed seeing them perform in church activities, reading books with them, and even watching them open presents on Christmas day. Barbara”™s grandchildren loved her so much, and she cherished being their “Grammy”.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Howard Hale; parents, Lars & Edith Johnson; and brother, Bud Johnson and his wife Janet. Barbara is survived by her son, Jamie Hale (Jen); grandchildren, Jacob & Josie Hale; nephew, Peter Johnson (Miritza); and niece, Jill Pinault. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Dayspring Ministries Haiti, 238 Lakeside Ave. Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, http://www.dayspringministrieshaiti.org/.