Barbara Y. Opuni-Bediako, age 85
Barbara Young Opuni-Bediako was born on February 15, 1937, in New York. She was the only child of Marie Little and Julian Young. She survived both of her parents. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Marie Johnson and Julian Young; Stepfather Holmes M. Johnson Jr.; Sister Mary. E. A. Johnson; and her Brother Holmes M. Johnson III
Barbara moved to Washington D.C. shortly after birth, where she grew up with her mother. She graduated from Cardozo High School and worked in the D.C. federal government until she retired.
Throughout her life, travel, family, and friends were an integral part of Barbara’s life. She was the organizer of many of the family excursions and would often be frustrated with the rest of us when we would leave these tasks to her, but she did them in a way that none of us could master.
On one occasion she put together a brochure, which began with “Dear Family Members”, that put together the itinerary with destinations, hotels, excursions, and price points. We eventually ended up taking an Alaskan Cruise which we thoroughly enjoyed. She was the adventurous one of us all. On this trip, she scheduled a dog sled excursion with herself, her nephew and niece Jeffrey, and Jada. At that time Zion was too young and could not participate in the event. As it turned out none of them could participate as it was too windy for the helicopter flight to where the event was to occur. However, another adventure awaited them which included walking on the ice glaciers and parasailing, which she barely made the weight requirement, with her all too eager Great nephew and niece Jeffrey and Jada, as her sisters Mary and Lois would not dare venture.
Barbara transitioned this life on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Hyattsville, Maryland after a year-long battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Johnson, and her brother Holmes M. Johnson III. She leaves to cherish beautiful and fun-filled memories through her loving sister Lois Johnson Cazeau; Nieces Apryl and Nakia Johnson; Great-nieces Jada Payne, Zion Minor, Nevaeh and Penny Hill, Sydney Johnson; Great-nephews Jeffrey Payne IV, Brendan Moore; Cousins Marian Davis, Victoria Pittman (Storkey), Ernestine Bates, and a host of other family and friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Opuni-Bediako family.
