Virginia Lea Clarke Johnson's Obituary
JOHNSON, VIRGINIA LEA CLARKE devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. She was 93 years old and an inspiration to her family and all those who came to know and love her. As many have expressed … she had a “gentle and kind spirit with a smile for everyone”. Born March 2, 1919 in Dallas, TX, she is preceded in death by parents, Ella Loice (Stanly) Clarke and Thomas Conrad Clarke; and her beloved husband, of 62 years, Charles Saxon Johnson Jr. Graduating from Sunset High School in 1937, she worked for a short time in Dallas before meeting and marrying Charlie Johnson on July 19, 1940. They lived most of their lives in Oak Cliff where she devoted herself to being a full-time mom, Cub Scout leader, PTA President, and solid anchor for her family. She had a love of traveling with her family and enjoyed seeing most of the US and Canada, as well as several European countries. After the kids flew the nest, she decided to re-enter the work force and worked at F. W. Dodge Reports in Dallas until she retired in 1984. She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a lifelong member of the Methodist Church (actively involved at Tyler Street Methodist, then a member of Brooklyn Avenue Methodist, and finally a member of Elmwood United Methodist). She is survived by brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Conrad and Marilyn Clarke of Richardson, TX; daughter, Cathy Sue Smith and husband, Stephen English Smith of Calera, OK; sons, Thomas Clarke Johnson of Dallas, TX and Charles Saxon Johnson III and wife, Joan of Richardson, TX; left with wonderful memories are 5 grandchildren – Angela Leigh (Smith) Hunter and husband, Adam of Hot Springs, AR; Andrew English Smith and Cortney Smith of Plano; Elizabeth Lea (Johnson) Lynas and husband, Greg of Richardson; Charles Philip Johnson and wife, Jackie of Frisco; and Thomas Merritt Johnson of Tulsa, OK. She was the much loved “Granmommie” / “Gigi” for 9 great-grandchildren, Isaac Graves and Katelyn Hunter of Hot Springs, AR; Summer Smith of Plano; Samuel, Owen, and Charlie Lynas of Richardson; and Seth, Bailey, and Grant Johnson of Frisco. The family wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation to the nurses and staff at Grace Presbyterian Village and at Faith Presbyterian Hospice for their skill and compassion in the care they provided. A graveside service for family and friends will be held in Restland Memorial Park on September 28, 2012 at 1:00pm.
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