Loretta L. Barnett

Loretta Louise Barnett was born on April 21, 1948, to Millicent Hooks Barnett and Searcy Barnett, who preceded her in death. “Buzz”, as Loretta was affectionately known, maintained her Christian faith, and was baptized at Cosmopolitan Baptist Church. She was a scholar in the Oakland Public School system, graduating from Castlemont High School in 1966. Following three generations of her family, she attended Langston University. At Langston, she pledged Beta Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and held the office of Second Vice President.

Buzz graduated with honors with a BA in Social Studies and fulfilled her goal of becoming a secondary school teacher. She later earned a MA in Education from San Jose State University. Her passion was teaching middle and high school students. She said, "my greatest teaching method was utilizing approaches that give meaning to subject matter that result in lifelong learning". Buzz made a lasting a deep impression on her students. She taught American History and Government, Technology, Social Science and Typing in several Bay Area school districts before retiring with over 40-years of service.

As an independent contemporary woman who believed in self-sufficiency, she became a licensed real estate broker, and successfully established LBJ Realty while still teaching. It was through this enterprise that she met and married Matthew Johnson. Their union was dissolved, and no children were born. Following her retirement, she moved to Gulfport, Mississippi to enjoy southern coastal living. She loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. Her latest activity was learning to quilt. Buzz was a life member of the Langston University Alumni Association, and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter.

Going to Africa was on her bucket list, and she was determined to get there. Sadly, Buzz had a stroke while vacationing in Egypt. She was repatriated to the US and died on April 3, 2023. An endowed scholarship will be established in her name at Langston University. Cherishing her legacy are her brothers; Searcy, and Douglas (Julie), nieces; Schonay (Kevin), Michelle (Delano), and Anika, Nephews; Douglas, Scott, and Bradley. She will be missed by a host of family and friends both near and far.

A visitation for Loretta will be held Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Barnett family.