Betty Ann Barkley

Betty Ann Johnson Barkley, lovingly called "Bo", passed away after a brief illness at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center February 1, 2024 at the age of 89.  She was born April 27, 1934, in Senatobia, MS to Gladys Treadway of Cockrum, MS and Albert Sidney Johnson of Senatobia, MS.

She was the youngest of 4 beautiful sisters: Imogene Terry, Janette Sizemore, and Sidney May Davis.  Their mother died at a very young age and their father remarried to Hazel Price.  A brother of whom they were very proud of, Albert Sidney Johnson, Jr was born of this union.

Bo received her bachelor's degree in music and education from the University of Mississippi.  This is where she met her husband of 65 years - James Harry Barkley.  In their first few years of marriage, they stayed to live and work in Oxford, MS.  During this time, their eldest son, Jay Harry Barkley was born.

Harry's job with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries moved them to Jackson, MS.  Bo taught in the Jackson School District for several years, worked as a church secretary for a short period of time and then settled in for a long career as secretary at Corkern Door Company in Jackson. During this time, their youngest son, Matt Powell Barkley, was born.

Bo was faithful and active member of the then, Belvedere Church of Christ and now Siwell Road Church of Christ. She wholeheartedly loved this church, and her attendance and participation was at the core of her being.

Bo enjoyed reading and working puzzles in her downtime.  She also loved craft painting with her sister Janette while using the woodwork produced by Harry.  They would travel to craft shows to display and sell their beautiful items.  She enjoyed using her gift of art to do art projects for Vacation Bible School at church.  Bo and Harry had a great time with their RV camping group.  She especially enjoyed having meals and game nights with church friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Treadway Johnson; father, Albert Sidney Johnson, Sr., stepmother, Hazel Price Johnson; sisters, Sidney May Johnson Davis (Joe Clay Davis) and Janette Johnson Sizemore (Jimmy Sizemore), and brother in law, Aubrey Terry.

She is survived by her husband Harry Barkley of Madison, MS; sons, Jay Barkley of Ridgeland, and Matt Barkley (Donna) of Fort Payne, AL; sister, Imogene Terry of West Bloomfield, MI; brother, Sid Johnson (Phyllis) of Senatobia, MS; grandchildren, Lauren Barkley Hogeland (Daniel) of Pinson, AL, Shelley Barkley Foster (Cramer) of Gig Harbor, WA, and Ashley Barkley of Mobile, AL; great grandchildren, Harper Hogeland and Zoe Hogeland; and numerous nieces, nephews, as well as, great nieces and nephews.