Ms Jimmie Lee Johnson's Obituary
Jimmie Lee Johnson, age 94, Canton, Texas passed away peacefully the evening of Wednesday, May 17, 2023. On July 16, 1928, she was born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of the late Ruby Belle (Hankins) Darrow and James Roland Darrow. As a young child, she lived in Wellington, Texas and later Lutie, Texas. During the summer before high school, she stayed with her aunt and uncle in Covington, Texas. There she met Billy Joe Johnson, also visiting family. They became friends and that is really where their love story began.
Since Jimmie knew she wanted to become a nurse at the young age of 9, she followed that passion into her schooling. In 1946 she joined the Cadet Nurse Corp program and attended Harris Methodist School of Nursing graduating in August 1948 as a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed nursing and continued working until 2003 (her mid 70’s). Jimmie and Billy (Bill) met up again when Bill joined the Army. They were married on November 25, 1949, at St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. From there, they traveled to California and enjoyed living on their own. She said when they traveled, they always found interesting things about the towns and would take pictures. Throughout their marriage, Jimmie would continue to follow Bill to different parts of the country for whatever his passion was at the time, and making friends as they went. She loved Bill’s adventurous spirit.
They eventually moved back to Texas after his time in the Army was over. In 1962, they adopted a son, David Johnson. In 1989, they happily became grandparents to Shannon Johnson and then again in 1993 to Lauren Johnson. 2012 was the beginning of her journey into becoming a great grandmother to 5 wonderful great grandchildren. Even though they were loud, she loved being around them and telling them stories, and teaching them how to clean.
Bill preceded her in death on May 14, 1990. If you were to ask Jimmie, her only true love was Bill and she was happily awaiting to see him again. Jimmie is survived by her son, David Johnson and wife Ann, two grandchildren, Shannon Elder and husband Jordan, and Lauren Johnson, five great-grandchildren Luke Elder, Grace Elder, Leo Shively, Caleb, and Sammie, all from Canton, Texas.
Jimmie will truly be missed but never forgotten for her creative ability, Christmas stocking making, feisty attitude and passion for nursing. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of the people she loved.
What’s your fondest memory of Jimmie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jimmie?
Share a story where Jimmie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jimmie you’ll never forget.
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