Mary Johnson

MARY JO (WILLIAMS) JOHNSON died of an aortic aneurysm on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Mary Jo was born on September 23, 1938 in Little Rock to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Williams, who predeceased her. Mary Jo was the widow of Billy C. (Bill) Johnson. She is survived by her children, David C. Johnson, Karen Johnson Eaton, and Kurt Johnson and wife, Rebekah, and her adored grandchildren, Lauren Williams and husband, John, and Justin Harrington. Mary Jo was the beloved sister of Jimmy P. Williams and wife, Johnnie, Claudene Henry and husband, George, and Willene Chaney and husband, Frank. She is survived by her nieces Elizabeth, Emily, Sharon, and Dana, her nephews Richard, Bill, and Brett, their children, and her cousins. Mary Jo, known at work as J.J., was the Assistant Manager of Towne Oaks Apartments in Little Rock for the past 12 years. She was a devoted and hard-working employee, but most of all, Mary Jo was a friend and caregiver to many of her tenants. Although her given name was Mary Jo, her family called her Jo. Her nieces and nephews knew her as “Sweet Ole Auntie Jo”. She loved her daily 5:30 AM phone calls with her sisters. They shared their lives with each other every morning. Jo loved her big brother and tried her best to comfort him in his grief after the passing of his wife and son. Jo was a beautiful, gracious, charming, and funny woman with a pure and kind heart. She lived her life in the example set by her mother – with forgiveness, kindness, generosity and grace. She loved her family with her whole heart and was fiercely protective of each of them, forgave and forgot when necessary, tried always to see the best in everyone, and stood beside each of us with great strength and an offer of help when we carried a heavy burden. For the past 22 years Jo looked forward to the day that she could be with Bill again. We are certain that Jo and Bill are back together in Heaven, celebrating the reunion with her Mother and Daddy, Faye, Pat, Johnnie, Dickie and the rest of our family who met them there. We will miss her and mourn for her, selfishly wishing she was here with us, but we are glad that she is at peace and resting safely in the hands of God. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Friday, October 9, 2009 at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 North Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 758-1170 followed by interment at Griffin Leggett-Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday, October 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.

Mary Johnson

September 23, 1938 - October 6, 2009