Pearl H. Johnson-Barrett, 98, of Rapid City, passed away on December 25, 2024, at Good Samaritan in New Underwood, with family by her side.

Pearl Henrietta was born May 2, 1926, to Henry Jr. and Bertha (Zeller) Bieber near rural Trail City, SD. She attended Harding Country School, graduated from McLaughlin High School in McLauglin, SD and National College of Business in Rapid City. Following school, she worked as a Deputy County Auditor at the Corson County Courthouse in McIntosh, SD. While working at the courthouse, she met and later married Carl F. Johnson, Jr. in McIntosh on June 7, 1947.  Shortly after, they moved to Hot Springs and subsequently established their residence in Rapid City. In 1962, Hill City became their home where they could raise their children in a smaller town and school and enjoy life in the beautiful Black Hills.  After Carl's death on January 20, 1997, Pearl met a companion and married Verne W. Barrett in Hill City, SD on November 20, 1999.  They remained married until Verne passed away on May 22, 2011.

While continuing to be a busy mom, Pearl worked for several years at Custer State Hospital where she was able to care for adults and children with disabilities and/or who had suffered from abuse.  Among other notable jobs were Ben Franklin and Home Craft Bakery in Rapid City as well as bookkeeping in Hill City.   In 1985, Pearl and Carl answered a call to work as house parents for homeless families at Holy Family Residence in Albuquerque, NM, an experience they thoroughly enjoyed.  Pearl and Carl were active volunteers for Meals on Wheels in Hill City.  She served as a Eucharistic Minister and was busy with the Altar Society at St. Rose of Lima Church.  She was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Hill City and Right to Life through her years.

Pearl enjoyed gardening, canning, picking fresh berries, making kuchen, writing stories/letters, singing, collecting stamps and coins, wood carving, knitting, genealogy, gifting her belongings, bird watching (able to name the bird with their song), playing Solitaire and being very competitive with Rummy and Uno (watch out for David!).  She also loved spending time with friends gained at the Adult Day Center of the Black Hills and through Dr. Jim Gardiner's drumming circle.

Pearl was always the first one out of bed, making sure everyone else was taken care of.  She treasured spending quality time with her family.   She had an amazing relationship with our Lord, striving daily to live her life as a reflection of Christ's love for others.

Survivors include:  sons Gregory (Deanna) Johnson and Carl "David" Johnson; daughters Mary Johnson, Carol Linder, and Barbara LaFever; grandchildren Kiffaney, Haley, Ian, Jaaron, Dayel, Eric, Isaiah, Laura, Sarah, Leilani, Benjamin, Jacob, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jeremiah, Michael, Amanda, Tasha, Matthew, and Samantha; sister Lyla VanOrman; sister-in law Sister AnnRita Johnson; daughter-in- law Donna Johnson; 43 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Carl F. Johnson, Jr.; second husband Verne Barrett; parents Henry, Jr. and Bertha Bieber; son Robert Johnson; infant twin brothers Gernhard and Bernhard Bieber, brothers Henry K. Bieber, George R. Beiber; Robert Bieber; sister Bernice Redlin; son-in-law Ron LaFever and brother-in-law Roger Johnson.

Pearl, you are "our sunshine"…a true gem…until we meet again, "toot-toot."  "Love Mom and Grandma J".

Visitation will be at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 1st at 4:00, with Rosary to follow at 5:00.  Funeral Services will be at St. Rose of Lima Church in Hill City, SD, on Thursday, January 2nd at 10:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon at the church.  Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.