Priscilla (Johnson) Barber

Priscilla (Johnson) Barber passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 1, 2023.

Priscilla was born on September 12, 1928  to Arthur and Emma Johnson of Munnsville, NY.   She grew up in Lafayette, NY where she played the trumpet and was a cheerleader for her high school.  After graduation, she attended Palmer Business Institute, where she honed skills she would put to use in her first job in the tuberculosis office in downtown Ithaca, and then in her career at the Protestant chaplain’s office at Ithaca College, Cooperative Extension 4-H Tompkins County, Farm Credit, Ithacare, and Sunny Brook Builders.

Priscilla married Donald Lee Barber, Sr. in 1948.  They raised 4 children on their family farm on the top of a windy hill in Danby, NY.  Her passions were family, farm, and faith.  She prepared giant meals for the farm family, including her famous cinnamon buns. Priscilla’s family is grateful for her work to pass down her recipes, techniques and traditions.  She loved gardening and animals, and going on church missions with her husband.  In her later years she found joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing a game, a performance, or a birthday party.  She felt blessed beyond measure, and everyone who met her delighted in her gentle kindness, smiling eyes, and loving heart.

Priscilla is lovingly adored and survived by: her children Donald L. Barber, Jr. (Rita Rosenberg), Mark Barber (Charlene), and Christina Giles; grandchildren Megan Barber (Jonathan Bates), Matthew Giles (Christina), Kimberly Voigt (Jesse), Kevin Giles (Julie), Lisa Dalton (Tommy), Cara Nichols (Eric), Jenna Rosenberg, and Dilon Honness; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her spouse, Donald L. Barber, Sr., son David A. Barber, brother Arthur Johnson, son-in-law Fred Mark Giles, and daughter-in-law, Stefani Barber.

Calling hours will be held at the First Assembly of God Church on January 21, 2023 from 11-12 pm, followed by a celebration of life at noon. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Priscilla’s name to the Finger Lakes Trail, Hospicare at Ithaca or the First Assembly of God Church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be made to Priscilla’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.