Mary Edna Smith  Johnson Obit

Miller Grove Cemetery

Hopkins Co. Cemeteries of Tx

Submitted by Elaine Nall Bay

Mrs. Don Johnson (Sulphur Springs News Telegram, August 26, 1975)

Forty-nine years ago this fall Miss Edna Smith went to Miller Grove to teach first grade. For almost 50 years she enriched the life of the community-its school, its churches and its people.

Mary Edna Smith was born Dec. 8, 1908 in the New Hope community, south of Sulphur Springs. Her parents were Joe V. and Edith Tatum Smith. She was married to Don Johnson of Miller Grove in 1927.

To them were born three children, Patsy Spurrier of Nacogdoches, Coy of Sulphur Springs, and Lynn of San Marcos.

Through the years Ms. Johnson's family was always her first concern, but her many talents and interests were shared in many ways through years of teaching at Miller Grove, through her work with community organizations, in church work, in her outstanding examples of homemaking skills in gardening, sewing and foods, and finally in completing her working career as a secretary. Family and friends alike agree that her paintings which held much of her interest in retirement year reflect the great beauty of her life.

In addition to her husband and children Mrs. Johnson who died Monday night in Baylor Hospital, Dallas, leaves two sisters, Mrs. Ed Gilley of Miller Grove, Mrs. C.Y. Mills of Mission; two brothers, Ewell Smith and Howard Smith of Sulphur Springs. Grandchildren are Bethany and Dave Spurrier, Clay, Craig and Kelli Johnson and Todd Paschall Johnson.

Memorial services honoring Mrs. Johnson will be conducted by the Rev. Robert Ridley and the Rev. Don Renshaw at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Miller Grove Methodist Church.

The family will be at Tapp Funeral Home until one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be nephews Jim and Keith Burns, Freeman Johnson, Smith Gilley, Valton ad Vernon Smith, William McDowell, Mary and Mike Mills.