Barbara Louise (Hiles)Johnson, (formerly Best) of Hesperia, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026. Barbara was born on August 30,1943 in Scott County, Kentucky to Ed and Pearl (Crutcher) Hiles. 

Barbara grew up in a loving Christian home. She loved gospel music and she loved the Lord. She liked pretty clothes and jewelry. Barbara met David Best while he was in the service in Kentucky. They married and moved back to his home state of Michigan. Barbara worked for Kmart and then at Howmet for over 30 years until her retirement. While working there she made lasting friendships that have continued for over 50 years. 

Later in life she met the " Love of her life " Robert Johnson, they married and resided on Crepin Lake in Hesperia. After Bob passed away, she continued to reside at Crepin Lake, where she loved to fish and enjoy the lake life. In July of 2023 she became a resident of the Newaygo County Medical Care Facility in Fremont. She absolutely LOVED it there. Staff, volunteers and residents became family to her. She became the president of the resident council and participated in trivia contests, spelling bees and bingo. Bingo was her main love because she won prizes, especially JEWELRY!

Barbara is survived by: her daughter, Sharita (Gary) Prowant; grandchildren Carl (Holly)Prowant, Sheyenne (Ty) Cole, Derek (Tiffany)Prowant; great grandchildren, Jeff, Noah, Caleb, Maverick, Olivia, Grayson and Willow; nieces, Melinda (Bill) Massarone, Charlotte Garnett; nephews, Michael (Theressa) Fields, Steven Garnett; great nieces and nephews, stepchildren, Lyndon Johnson, Sher Stamps; step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, step great-great grandchildren. 

Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents, Ed and Pearl; husband Bob; sisters, Janine (Louis) Field’s, Wilma Garnett; infant twins, David and Dana Best; stepdaughter, Marcy Johnson; stepson, Greg Johnson. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 12 pm, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 North Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Pastor Chelsea Reynout officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11 am until the start of services, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com