Hazel Irene Johnson

November 13, 1927 - July 23, 2016

Hazel Irene Johnson, 88, of rural Murrayville went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, July 23, 2016, at her home in Murrayville. She was born Nov. 13, 1927 in Roodhouse, the daughter of Marvin and Lillian Ward Hoots. She married Richard J. Johnson Jr., Nov. 26, 1947, in Jacksonville. Surviving is her husband, Richard Johnson Jr. of Murrayville; children, Theresa (Steven) Andras of Manchester, Steve (Patty) Johnson of Ashland, Bruce (Bonnie) Johnson of Murrayville, and Philip Johnson of Roodhouse; 10 grandchildren, Angela (Brad) Hoots, Christi (Brent) Farrall, Will (Kim) Andras, Sadie Johnson, Rachel (Tyler) Edge, Hannah (Nick) Stephens, Gracie (Christopher) Devlin, Kari (Stephen) Lowery, Brandon and Bailey Johnson, 8 great grandchildren; siblings, Mary (Enrique) Bleauer of Cabot, AR, and Delmar (Shelba) Hoots of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, siblings and spouses, Reba (Jim) Martin, George (Glenna) Hoots, and Vivian (Francis) Bunch. Hazel was a member of the Manchester Baptist Church. Her first job out of high school was as a clerk at the Walgreen soda fountain. Following the raising of her children, she worked for Mason’s Grocery in Murrayville for 43 years where she became known as one of the “gals” in the deli making delicious meringue pies and fabulous potato salad. Hazel never knew a stranger, giving nicknames such as Honey, Sweetie, Sugar, Darling, and Baby Doll to her many customers and those she loved. The grandchildren always enjoyed her telling them of the times she walked a mile to work in high heels and a dress, no matter of the weather, when she worked as an operator for General Telephone in Jacksonville. Hazel was never one wanting anything for herself, but dedicated herself to taking care of others. She was a wonderful farm wife to Richard and a devoted mother to her children and grandchildren. Among her most cherished times were those she spent with her family serving them her famous mashed potatoes. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Manchester Baptist Church with interment in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery near Jacksonville. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Manchester Baptist Church or Memorial Hospice.