Mrs. J. M. Johnson

Navarro Co TX Obits

Submitted by Donna Odie

FUNERAL HELD FOR PIONEER

WOMAN LAST THURSDAY

August 4, 1932

 

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, August 4th, at the Oak Grove Baptist church for Mrs. J. M. Johnson 89 of Toole.  She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. A. Peavy, at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday.  The services were conducted by Rev. Preston Taylor, pastor of the Oak Grove Church and interment followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

 

     Mrs. Johnson was born on Sept. 20, 1843 in Union County, South Carolina.  At the age of 18 she united in marriage with J. M. Johnson and to this union was born eleven children, eight of whom survive the mother.  Shortly before moving to Texas she united with the Baptist church in Williamson County, South Carolina.  On reaching Texas the Johnson family settled in Fannin County and later moved to the Oak Grove community.  The deceased was instrumental and played an important part in the organization of the Oak Grove Baptist Church and was a charter member of that body.  After moving to Toole, she transferred her membership to the Providence Baptist Church.  Mrs. Johnson was an ever faithful worker in her church and her influence will long be felt by the organizations she was connected with during her lifetime.

 

     Surviving the deceased are eight children:  Mrs. John Sadler of Dodd City, Texas, Mrs. W. T. Simmons, Mrs. Will Redford, S. F. Johnson and J. B. Johnson, Mrs. W. A. Peavy of Toole, and S. H. Johnson of Mabank; fifty-five grandchildren, seventy-one great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

 

     The Tribune joins with the friends of the family in extending sincerest sympathy to the survivors in their great loss.

 

This article was sent to the

Baptist Progress Newspaper

by the BMA Committee of

the Providence Baptist Church.

 

     Mary Anne (Finch) Johnson (Grandma) was born in Union County, South Carolina on Sept. 20, 1843.  She married J. M. Johnson in 1861 and died on Aug. 3, 1932, 88 years, 10 months, and 13 days.

 

     She was the mother of eleven children, eight of whom survived, four sons and four daughters.  Also surviving are 55 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren and one great grandchild.

 

     Grandma professed faith in Jesus and was baptized into the fellowship of the Missionary Baptist Church in Williamson County, South Carolina in 1881 and for these 51 years has lived a consecrated Christian life.  She was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery near Kerens, Navarro County on August 4.  The funeral was conducted by the Pastor Preston Taylor.

 

     Since the death of her husband May 24, 1925, she has made her home with her daughter Mrs. W. A. Peavy of Toole.  She was always smiling and cheerful.  Her very presence seemed a benediction as she sat day by day near the window with her Bible in her lap or lying near.

 

     Her opinions were positive, but backed by Holy Writ, she had a “Thus saith the Lord” for everything and could turn to read it almost instantly.

 

     There was no wavering in her faith and she looked steadfastly and confidently to the coming of the Lord.

 

     She will be missed, but it seems a glorious ending to a well spent life, and she has gone to be with Jesus whom she loved.

 

     Resolved that Providence Missionary Baptist Church of which she has been a member for 37 years, extended to her family our deepest sympathy and assure them of our regard, pledging ourselves to remember them in our prayers, and that we commend them to God, who can wipe away all tears, and make all things right to those who love Him.

 

     Grandma has only gone on ahead a little while and we are sure of the Glory of her surroundings in the presence of God, Jesus and the angels.

 

      Resolved that we spread this testimonial on the minutes, send a copy to the family and to the Progress for publication.                                                                                     

C. C. Knight

                                                                                                G. G. Mullins

                                                                                                D. G. Breland

                                                                                                Church Committee