Triangle Women Veterans - Unit 144

Elizabeth Bernice Barker Johnson was born in Elkin, North Carolina. She graduated from Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, NC. In 1943 Ms. Johnson enlisted in the Women's Army Corp where she was assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Battalion after boot camp. 

The 6888th Postal Battalion was sent to Europe with the main responsibility to sort the backlog of mail in order to maintain the morale of Americans stationed there.  Barker was assigned as a truck driver in England for the first three months and later in France. 

PFC Barker was discharged in the spring of 1945. After her discharge, she attended Winston Salem State University where she made history as the first female to enroll at the College on the GI Bill.  Four years later, with a degree in education, Barker went on to teach for 32 years, along with and additional 15 years volunteering in the Catawba County School system. 

Because Barker Johnson began teaching in Virginia immediately after graduating, she was unable  to attend commencement as she was unable to find a substitute. In 2019, on her 99th birthday, she received a gift from the school of her cap and gown, and was finally able to walk across the stage alongside the 2019 class ceremony.

Elizabeth Bernice Barker Johnson passed away on August 20, 2020. She was 100 years old. 

We thank PFC Johnson for her service to her country and community.

(Information compiled from the North Carolina Museum of History)  


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