of Conway, AR
January 21, 1928 - June 27, 2007
Virginia Lillian Morris Johnson 79, died Wednesday, June 27 at her home in Conway. She was born on January 21, 1928 in Conway, the daughter of Jesse Lyman Morris and Marion Morgan Morris. Her family later moved to El Paso, Arkansas. Following the untimely death of her mother when she was 14, she moved to Bee Branch, and was raised by her mother's sister and her husband, Mildred (Boots) and Thomas Quinn French, and graduated as valedictorian of her class at Southside High School in Bee Branch and won a scholarship to Draughon's School of Business in Little Rock.
While living in Little Rock she met a recent law school graduate, James Douglas (Jim) Johnson of Crossett. They married on December 21, 1947. She served as his legal secretary for his entire career.
Following Jim's election to the Arkansas Senate from Ashley and Chicot Counties, she served on the staff of the Senate during the 1951 and 1953 legislative sessions. A skilled campaigner, she assisted her husband in his unsuccessful race for Governor in 1956, and his successful race for the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1958. In 1966, she spoke at political rallies all across the state for her husband's candidacy for Governor, when he defeated a field of seven to win the Democratic nomination. In 1968, she became the first woman ever to run for Governor of Arkansas, winning a spot in the Democratic runoff, in a six candidate field.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, three sons, Mark Johnson (Catherine) of Little Rock, Dave Johnson (Shannon) of Fayetteville, and Danny Johnson (Betty) of Conway. Two sisters, Rose Morris Mahan of Damascus and Mary Jane Morris McMenemy of Gilbert, Arizona. Two brothers, Frank Morris of Conway and John Morris of Costa Rica. Six grandchildren, Allison Johnson, Andrea Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Adam Johnson, and Mary Beth Johnson.
Funeral services 1:00 pm Saturday, June 30, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, with interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery also in Conway. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday June 29, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Geoff Lackey, Marty Montgomery, Stanley Russ, Chris Throneberry, John VanWinkle, and Kenneth Wilcox.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Serenity Park or Gaines House both in Little Rock.
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25 Condolence(s)
Jessi Dillard-Knapp
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Teresa and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Love Jessi and Sunni
Darla Draper
Saturday, June 30, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure getting to know Mrs. Johnson these last few months. Darla @ Dr. Tsuda's clinic
Yancey Prosser
Saturday, June 30, 2007
From the Prossers with much love! Mrs. Virginia will truly be missed.
John Sampier
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Jim,Mark and family, Please accept my deepest condolences at Virginia's passing. My late parents considered Jim and Virginia Johnson among their closest friends. Jim, throughout the years, I have always admired and respected both of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ola Lee (Richards) Edwards
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Mr Jim Johnson & Family I am so sorry for your loss she was a beautiful lady and she was very loving person. my Prayers are with you and, your family
Martha (McBryde) Wilkins and Doug
Saturday, June 30, 2007
We are sad to hear about Virginia's passing from this life. She truely was a beautiful person and I know you will miss her so much. I have fond memories of coming to your house when I was little with my Aunt Rose and Uncle Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe and Reba Wessell
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Jim and Family, Joe and I are saddened to hear of the death of your beloved Virginia. She has left behind a wonderful legacy of what it means to me a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. We shall always remember her as a warm and loving person. When one visited in her home she always made you feel that you were an honored guest. May all of the wonderful memories each of you have of her, be a source of comfort in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tammy & Lynda @ Dads & Lads
Friday, June 29, 2007
Jim & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Virginia was an extremely beautiful & lovely lady. I will miss seeing her smiling face come thru the doors of my business. You all are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We love you dearly!
Laura Smith
Friday, June 29, 2007
Jim my prayers are with you and your family.. May GOD Bless you and your family.. laura from Dr Tsuda's office...
Sherri Lynne Stewart
Friday, June 29, 2007
When you are sorrowful- look again into your heart and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Virginia is the momma of my spirit and soul. Not a day passes that I don't feel her influence in my decisions and actions. Thanks to Jim and the boys for letting me be a part of your family. I will always love you all.
Jonathan & Sarah Stringer
Friday, June 29, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jonathan & Sarah Stringer Louis & Marty Williams
Meredith Oakley
Friday, June 29, 2007
Dear Jim and family, Virginia did so many things well, and with such grace and dignity, but I know that what she did best -- love you all to the very fiber of her being -- will comfort you at this difficult time and sustain you forever. My deepest sympathy, Meredith
LINDA & NEAL CULLUM
Friday, June 29, 2007
YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MAY GOD TOUCH AND COMFORT YOU AT THIS SAD TIME.
Cissy Mahan Lieblong
Friday, June 29, 2007
Dear Family, My heart is heavy with the loss of my dear beautiful Aunt Jen and I am so sad I cannot be physically with you at this time. You all played such a huge part in my growing up years and will always be a part of me. I always felt safe and welcome in her home. I was proud of her accomplishments and the role model she was to all women. She showed that a woman can be strong and involved with all aspects of life and still be a great caregiver to their family. She loved her family so much and was always there for them. She also loved her country and spent countless hours working for what she felt was the good of America. She touched many lives as she passed through, she was a true trail blazer for the women of Arkansas and she will not be soon forgotten. My love and prayers are with you all, and I am with you in spirit. Cissy
Stephen & Lindsley Smith
Friday, June 29, 2007
Dear Justice Johnson, We were very sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Stephen and Lindsley Smith
CARTI Conway
Friday, June 29, 2007
We were saddened to hear of your loss. She was a wonderful person. We enjoyed getting to visit with her. We are praying for strength and comfort during the next weeks to come.
Joy Reid Bell
Friday, June 29, 2007
My Dear Uncle Jim, You know how much I love you and how much I loved Aunt Virginia. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Johnson family. Saturday is Mama's birthday. I'm sure she and Aunt Virginia are having a great reunion. We will be there with you in spirit! Love, Joy Ellen
Ramona Bates
Friday, June 29, 2007
So very sorry for your loss. Wish I could ease your sorrow. Love you all, Ramona
James Mack Street
Friday, June 29, 2007
I know words are never adequate at a time like this but I wanted express my sympathy and share a memory. As Mark will remember in about 1970-71, there was a group of guys from Hendrix that kept a race car at her home. We were there fairly regular working on the car. It was impressive to a then 20 year old to be invited in for a homecooked meal which she prepared for us several times. But it wasn't just the food that impressed me, I will always remember her "southern" hospitality and the family (and us guys) joining hands and having prayer before the meal. I will always cherish having known her.
Gay Reid McCants
Friday, June 29, 2007
"Uncle Jim" - our deepest sympathy to you or your family. You both have special places in our lives. I'll always remember Aunt Virginia's sweet smile. You were there at every important event in our lives and I'm so sorry that I won't be there for you. Hugs across the miles.
Julia French Wood
Friday, June 29, 2007
Dearest Jim, Mark, Daniel, David and all the family. We will not be able to attend the services in Arkansas, but you know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of great loss. I loved Virginia so very much and will miss her greatly. My consolation is that she is with her mother whom she lost at such a tender age. God bless you and keep you. Love, Julia
Sandy Bradley
Friday, June 29, 2007
I have the fondest memories of Virginia and her delcious cooking! Please know that "you all" are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Sandy, Roy and Lauren Bradley
John Ed & Danita Webb
Friday, June 29, 2007
Danny, Davy and Mark, You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Whitten
Friday, June 29, 2007
Mark, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Bill
Janice Marie Sansing
Thursday, June 28, 2007
To Mr. Johnson and Family, My husband and I want to let you know that we are praying for you at this sad time in your lives. Mrs. Johnson will be remembered as the beautiful lady who stood by you in your service to the citizens of Arkansas and for her own contributions . As a young lady of 16 years of age, I admired Mrs. Virginia for her desire to be our Governor and for the great campaign that she ran. She was a great role model. Please, know that she loved you all very much. During my years at SCA , I spoke to Mrs. Johnson many times and she would tell me what her boys were doing and how children grow up too quickly. You all were her pride and joy.