Bernice Louise Johnson

Bernice Louise Johnson, beloved mother of Scott Johnson (Allison), was ushered peacefully into heaven on September 15, 2023. She was lovingly known to family, friends and colleagues as Berni Barber Johnson.

Berni was born in St. Louis, Mo. on November 3, 1932, to Alva and Everett Barber.

As a child, Berni’s family moved to Tulsa, Okla. and established Barber Antiques where they bought and sold antiques from all over Europe. Berni developed her love for jewelry through her parents’ business.

Berni attended the prestigious Tobé–Coburn School for fashion in New York City and attended college in Missouri.

In 1953 Berni was referred to Robert (Bob) Johnson regarding a legal matter. Shortly after their initial meeting, Bob bought a wedding ring and a new car and drove it to Tulsa, where Berni was living, to see her and to meet her parents. Bob knew Bernie was the love of his life.

Berni and Bob were married in May 1954 in Santa Fe, NM. They were married for 54 years before Bob’s passing in 2008.

Over the years and decades, Berni grew her jewelry business with dedication and passion. She was respected, locally and nationally, for her knowledge, keen eye and expertise in the field of gemology and jewelry design.

Bernie moved her expanding business (circa 1980’s) from their home to the carriage house behind the Tejon Law Building in Colorado Springs where her husband, Bob, and son, Scott, practiced law.

From there, Berni opened Berni Barber Johnson Jewelry in the old Perkins Shearer building on Tejon Street in Colorado Springs where Bernie enjoyed being part of the community. After several years, Berni decided to have a smaller business footprint and moved her business to Cottonwood for the Arts where she established the Tiny Jewel Box.

Additionally, Berni studied French and Gemology and belonged to the Gemological Institute of America.

Bernie loved her husband, her son, family and life with deep affection. She also enjoyed travel with Bob’s classic car club as well as international travel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Annette and Jeanne and her husband, Bob.

Bernie is survived by Scott (Allison), and granddaughters Kelsey (Chris) and Kayla (Trevor) and great grandson, Robert.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life Service on December 9th at 12:00pm at the Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies, 1945 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.