Emogene Johnson

Johnson, Emogene Emogene "Jean" Johnson of Dallas, Texas passed away in the early morning hours of December 27th, 2011, at the age of 90. She was born on May 13th, 1921, the daughter of Frank and Ethel Heflin. At the time of her death, she had spent over eleven years living and being cared for at Walnut Place Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, named Herman or most often called "Red," whom she married when she was 17 years old. They stayed married for 66 years, up until he passed away in 2005. Her life was always about her husband and family. She loved music, dancing, and took up playing the piano as an adult. She liked to walk around North Park Mall all the time for exercise. She took up golf in her late 40's in order to play with Red, and played all the time until she could not longer get around the course. On her own, she had converted to Catholicism in her very early teenage years. From that point on, she read her Bible every single night of her life until the effects of Alzheimer's shrouded her mind. She bravely battled Alzheimer's for 19 years, and perhaps the word "bravely" is just not strong enough to express it. We are forever grateful to all of those people at Walnut Place who did not just take care of her, but loved her and doted over her for all those many years. They are too many to name. Our special thanks go to the staff of the 5th Floor Assisted Alzheimer's unit and to the 3rd floor Skilled Nursing unit. We also want to thank her two special angel aides of the last three years, Rita and Nola, who kept her in the "social scene" and a winner of Bingo games almost to the end. Her five children are Larry Johnson, Susan Gent, Rick Johnson, Kathy Martin, and Gail Calkins. She always tried to wrap her arms around us in life, patting us on the back at the same time, and we will always remember her for her care and dedication to us throughout our lives. She leaves a great legacy of courage to and determination to 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. A Vigil Service will be held Thursday 6:30 P.M. at Sparkman Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 P.M. Friday December 30, 2011 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Rev. John Libone celebrant. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any remembrances and donations to go to the Alzheimer's Association.