Mrs. Claudia Mae Johnson

Claudia Mae Johnson, lovingly known to all as Pooh, was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and devoted servant of God. She was born on July 27, 1927, in Bessamay, Texas, to Sarah and Charlie Martin, and peacefully transitioned from this life on December 12, 2025, at the age of 98.

On June 26, 1947, Pooh was united in holy matrimony to Command Sergeant Major Jake Johnson. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, discipline, love, and service. Her husband honorably served for 30 years in the United States Army. During those years, Pooh traveled throughout the world, including Germany and France, faithfully supporting him as a military spouse. Reflecting on those experiences, she often said, “I have traveled all over the world and met all types of people,” a statement that captured her wisdom, compassion, and understanding of others. 

From their union were born two daughters, Freddie Ruth Johnson and Mary Lee Johnson. Though Freddie Ruth’s life was brief, her memory remained forever in Pooh’s heart. Pooh went on to be a devoted and nurturing mother whose family was always her most significant priority.

In her later years, Mary Lee became the cornerstone of Pooh’s care, dedicating her life to ensuring her mother’s comfort, dignity, and well-being. With unwavering commitment and selfless love, Mary Lee provided daily care, emotional support, and constant presence, placing Pooh’s needs above her own. Through this lifelong devotion, Pooh spent her final years surrounded by peace, familiarity, and unconditional love.

Pooh was also blessed with her son Corey Johnson, with whom she shared an extraordinarily close and loving relationship. The name Pooh was first the tender name she lovingly called Corey as a baby. Over time, as she spoke it so often with affection, it became the name Corey called her—and eventually the name by which everyone came to know her. Their bond was deep and enduring. They were best friends, constant companions, and a source of strength to one another. Pooh encouraged her son to live a life of discipline, faith, and service, and her guidance played a meaningful role in his decision to enter the military and serve his country.

Pooh found great joy in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, cherishing each of them deeply. Through her son, Corey, and his wife, Carolyn Johnson, she was blessed with Korey Johnson, Kwincey Johnson, Krys Johnson, and Kwynton Johnson, and Corey Johnson, Jr., who brought laughter, pride, and purpose to her life. Through her daughter, Mary Lee, she was also blessed with her grandson, Jerry Coward, his wife, Stacci Hancock, and great-grandchildren, Jerrany Coward, Jer’Ryuna Coward, Jerry Coward III, and Jer’Mere Coward, whose presence filled her days with warmth, joy, and meaningful moments she treasured deeply. Pooh was further blessed with her granddaughter, Nesha Johnson, and great-grandsons, Tory Volrie, Jake Williams, and Cameron Johnson. She was also blessed with her great-great-granddaughters, Myah Phillips and Skylar Smith, the youngest generation of her growing legacy. Pooh shared a unique bond with Mary Lee’s special daughter and granddaughter, Ruby Briggs and Ashley Stelly.  

During her later years, Pooh was surrounded by love and care from family and close friends, including Don Palmer, whose kindness, presence, and companionship brought her comfort and peace.

Pooh graduated with honors from Martin High School and Lincoln Business College, and throughout her life carried herself with wisdom, strength, and grace. She was a remarkable Christian woman whose faith guided every aspect of her life. Pooh was also a proud member of multiple organizations, including the Eastern Star, where she lived out its principles of faith, charity, and loving service. Her favorite saying, “Eternal life, that’s what I am working for,” reflected her unwavering devotion to God. She praised Him continually and gave thanks for every blessing she received.

Alongside her husband, Jake, Pooh was co-founder of both the International Drive-In Store and International Lounge, where she faithfully served as the Financial Steward, overseeing the organization’s resources with integrity, diligence, and gratitude to God. Affectionately known for “counting and prepping her sacks of money for the businesses,” she understood that her success was entrusted to her by God. Though prosperous, “Pooh” was a greater giver than receiver, and her generosity touched countless lives.

Pooh was preceded in death by her husband, Command Sergeant Major Jake Johnson; her beloved daughter, Freddie Ruth; her parents, Sarah and Charlie Martin; and her siblings, Francis Martin, Billy Jean Martin, and Charlie “Sugar Pie” Martin.

Pooh leaves behind her devoted daughter, Mary Lee; her beloved son, Corey Johnson, and daughter in law Carolyn Johnson; her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched, each carrying forward her legacy of faith, generosity, and love.

Though she has departed this earthly life, Pooh’s legacy of faith, family devotion, generosity, and love—shared across generations—will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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