Barbara went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Barbara was born in Des Moines, IA, but moved to Upper St. Clair, PA in 1965 and later graduated with Honors from Upper St. Clair High School. She earned a B.S. Degree in Biology/Chemistry from Grove City College in 1979 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1984 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary in Virginia. Barbara was the daughter of Dorothy Colvin Spotz and William Frederick Spotz, both predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of 42 years Richard (Rick/Ricky) Johnson, daughter Barbara Colvin Johnson (Aaron Ward) and siblings William H. Spotz (Beverly Spotz) and Jeannette Spotz Kline. Barbara spent her life serving the Lord by serving others. During her high school years, Barbara and her mother formed the Westminster Puppeteers at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper Saint Clair, PA. The group studied scripture, then wrote and performed puppet shows to entertain while educating younger children in the church, and sometimes even the adults. Barbara never stopped doing things to make other people’s lives better. She loved the Lord and loved her neighbor. In addition to her successful career as a Patent Attorney (first as a Patent Agent with NASA Langley Research Center, then Shareholder/Director of Webb Law Firm, and finally as owner of Barbara E. Johnson, Esq. Legal Practice in Pittsburgh), Barbara was blessed with those special traits of unfettered compassion and generosity. She was a quintessential hostess. Her many accomplishments over the years included the Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award, 2004, from Grove City College; Past President of Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association; and Former Chair of American Chemical Society, Pittsburgh Chapter. She also authored numerous published works in Intellectual Property Today, The Practical Lawyer, Biotechnology Law Report, and Journal of the Patent &Trademark Office Society to name a few. Barbara was active in the Pittsburgh community as Past President, Rotary Club of Pittsburgh; Instructor, Intellectual Property Law; an advocate for social causes; the Director, Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania’s annual piano competition; and Past Chair of Obershenk Medallion Trust (foundation providing professional development resources to gifted vocalists). She, herself, was an accomplished classical pianist and singer. A gifted wordsmith, Barbara poured her heart and soul into handwritten letters that became instant treasures for anyone lucky enough to receive them. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Pittsburgh Symphony or your favorite charity in Barbara’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to William Slater II Funeral Service. 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott twp 15220 412- 563-2800