Ruby May Johnson

Ruby May Johnson, 85, of Little Rock passed away Sunday, February 29, 2004.

She was a born fighter with a proud, independent spirit that remained with her all her life. Her fierce love for her family has kept them together through many dark times. A true craftswoman, she expressed her love of beauty and life through crocheting, quilting, pottery, bottle collecting, and above all through gardening. She had a life-long passion for growing flowers and raised prize-winning irises and lilies as part of the Central Arkansas Iris Society (CAIS). Ruby May bred toy poodles that were almost as fierce as she was. She also loved fishing, horse racing and talking up a storm. The name “Ruby May” brings to mind her bright, dazzling energy, and her devotion to God and family. She was a devoted member of the Smyrna Bible Church.

Born Ruby May Green on October 16, 1918, she was the 4th of nine children born to Lum and Mary Green. She had three brothers, Elbert (deceased), Clarence (deceased) and Bobby, and five sisters, Daisy, Hazel (deceased), Melissa (deceased), Edna (deceased) and Fanny.

She was preceded in death by her husband, of 50 years, Albert Johnson; daughter, Rosalyn Marie Johnson, grandson, Wendell Waters and grandson, Eli Goodwin. Her memory lives on in her three children, Lloyd Johnson, Helen Waters and Ruby Jean Mangus; seven grandchildren, Robin Johnson, Danny Waters, Tracy Goodwin, Bryce Johnson, Tony Waters, Stephanie Parkin and David Waters; nine great-grandchildren, Wendell Waters, Jr., Billy Waters, Bobby Waters, Ryan Goodwin, Alan Waters, Keith Waters, Drew Waters, Calvin Parkin and Sam Parkin.

Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M., Thursday at Ferndale Assembly of God, 27020 Kanis Road in Ferndale. Burial will be at Kennerly Cemetery in Roland, Arkansas. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170.

Online obituary and guest registry at www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com