Barbara Jo Bohan
Barbara Jo Bohan, affectionally known to her family as Sue, passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day, 2024, and gained a new body and mind after a four-year battle with dementia and cancer.
Barbara was born on April 11, 1942, in Hugo, Okla., to Melba Weems (Helton) Hernandez and Raymond Helton, and her life was marked by her infectious laughter, keen intelligence and an indomitable spirit.
Raised primarily by a single mother, Barbara grew up in and around Hugo, where she gained the first star in her crown by helping to raise her younger brother, Gene Holmes. When Gene and their mother moved to Dallas during Barbara’s senior year in high school, this independent-minded young woman stayed in Hugo supporting herself with a job at a local dentist office.
After high school, Barbara gained an Associate Degree in business and worked in the Dallas area for a time. There she met and married John Lawrence Bohan, the love of her life. Together, they moved to Cupertino, Calif., where Barbara found work, honing skills she already had that took her to the top job possible for a woman in the tech industry in Silicone Valley during the 1970s. As an executive secretary to the GM of the CCD Group, including Lockheed Martin and Fairchild Semiconductor Divisions, to name a few, Barbara had power to make astute decisions and run things efficiently for these defense contractors, skills she continued to use throughout her life.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Barbara was known for her love of dressing up in her finest attire, complete with impeccable makeup, and enjoying the company of her family and friends. Her presence was a bright light at social gatherings, where her humor and intelligence shone through in every conversation. While in California, Barbara and John’s life was filled with entertaining friends at clam bakes on the beach, hosting costume parties and traveling, which of course included regular trips back to Dallas to visit family.
Widowed while still in her 40s, Barbara retired after a few years and moved back to Mesquite, Texas, to be near her mother in Dallas. For the next two decades, the two women shared their lives enjoying their passions for cats, fashion, beautiful china, and holiday celebrations. Barbara also had two dogs that offered her love and companionship for many years. In the early 2000s, Barbara used her organizational and management skills once again to see her mother through a bout with cancer. Also from 2008-2011, she oversaw the care of one of her favorite aunts, Winola Hamilton, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Barbara is preceded in death by her mother, Melba Hernandez; her husband, John Bohan; her step-father, Harvey Holmes, and many beloved aunts. She leaves behind her brother, Gene Holmes (Polly) of Round Rock, Texas; her niece, Ashli Holmes Poly (Frederic); two great-nephews: Nate Poly (age 12) and Theo Poly (age 5), all of Olney, Md.; and beloved cousins, especially Cathy Feco Meister (Tuck) of Seagonville, Texas, and Clara Cox McCoy of Fairhope, Ala.
The family would like to thank the Memory Care Unit of Rowlett Health and Rehab, Rowlett, Texas, for the excellent care given to Barbara during her last years.
Barbara’s life will be celebrated in a private ceremony where her family will gather to honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on their hearts. She will be deeply missed, but the memories of her vibrant spirit will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of her life.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel in Hugo. Burial followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at www. praterlampton.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.
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