Esther Bernice Johnson

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.


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