Esther Bernice Johnson, 80, of rural Ina went to be with her Lord on Nov. 2, 2004.

Mrs. Johnson was born Sept. 21, 1924, in Jefferson County to Bernie and Esther Spurlock.

She married Harry Johnson Dec. 9, 1944, in Jeffersonville, Ind., near where he was stationed during World War II, and later moved to Fort Ord, Calif.

She is survived by her husband, Harry; two sons, Bill Johnson and wife Christine of rural Bonnie and Jack Johnson and wife Verla of rural Ina; four grandchildren, Ben Johnson and wife Alycia, Adam Johnson and fiancee Rachel Rich, Susan Mendenall and husband Adam and Jennifer Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Mendenall and McKenzie McIlrath; a sister, Mary Ruth Culli and husband Harry; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Johnson was retired from Illinois Power, where she worked for 37 years. She was a member of Ina Methodist Church, the Ina Home Extension and was selected as Ina's Citizen of the Year in 1993.

Mrs. Johnson loved her family and friends dearly and she often expressed this love through cards and gifts. If you knew her, you have received a card from her, either at holidays or for celebrations or illnesses. She always remembered you. She mailed thousands of cards in her lifetime. Not only did she mail cards to those she loved, but she also made hundreds of baby blankets, quilts and afghans. Many people have remarked, "Bernice made all of my children a blanket or afghan and my grandchildren, too."

Mrs. Johnson often baked pies, cakes and homemade rolls to share with neighbors and friends. Often she would take a pie to those who lived alone, just to let them know she cared. All who knew her were blessed by her love and friendship. She enjoyed life and made it special for those she knew. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She delighted in her family.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Johnston Funeral Home in Ina, with the Revs. Gary Whipple and Karol Brown officiating. Burial will be in Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Johnston Funeral Home in Ina. For those who wish, memorials in Mrs. Johnson's name may be made to Ina Methodist Church or to Kirk Cemetery. For more information you may contact Johnston Funeral Home in Ina at 437-5335.

Source: Register-News
Date: November 5, 2004
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman