JoNell Johnson

JoNell Johnson, age 95, a resident of Katy, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024. JoNell was born February 28, 1928 in Horatio, Arkansas, to Henry and Sadie Jones.
JoNell was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and James Holcombe; and nephew, Rex Holcombe.
She is survived by one extra special cousin who was raised with her, Mike Nix of Couer d' Alene, Idaho; one niece, Debbie Johnson (husband Andy) of Richmond, Texas; great nephews Brad Stanaland (wife Joy) and Ryan Stanaland of Houston, Texas; Great Niece Hillary Britton (husband Zach)of Montgomery, Texas; Dick's Son, Gary Johnson (wife Martha) of Burke, Virginia; granddaughter Heather Kramer, (Husband Todd) and great granddaughter, Hailey Kramer from Gaithersburg, Maryland; and many other wonderful cousins on both sides of the family.
JoNell grew up in Horatio, Arkansas and attended school there. She graduated from Horatio High School and followed in her sister, Ann's footsteps by proudly attending Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. After graduating from Hendrix with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, she received her Texas Teacher's Certification and pursued a career in teaching Texas History in Sharyland ISD(1954-56) Harlingen ISD(1956-57) and Corpus Christi ISD(1957-68). While in Corpus Christi, a co-worker introduced her to his twin brother, Dick Johnson, who was visiting from New Jersey. He quickly became the love of her life and they married in1969 and moved to Dick's home in Bergenfield, New Jersey. After Dick retired from teaching in New Jersey in 1978, the couple moved to the Houston Texas area and taught in CyFair ISD until they both retired. In 1991, they built their dream home in Westwood Shores, Trinity, Texas and enjoyed life to the fullest. Sadly JoNell lost Dick to cancer in 1996.
JoNell was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and volunteered there tirelessly. She also volunteered at the hospital in Trinity, earning an 800 hour pin. She spent time helping residents in the local nursing home and participated in many civic activities. JoNell loved spending time with her many friends, often hosting get-togethers and celebrating birthdays and holidays. She rarely missed an opportunity to do things for others, often bringing food to shut-ins or ill friends. She drove many a mile to taking people to their doctor appointments.
In 2015 JoNell moved to Carriage Inn in Katy, Texas. She lived there independently and loved the musical entertainment, special events, and new friendships. She especially enjoyed her back porch which faced a courtyard where she was able read and watch the birds and squirrels. In the Fall of 2023, she moved to Larry's Lakehouse, an assisted living small group home. She was well taken care of by wonderful staff who loved and grew attached to her.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but those who knew JoNell also knew of her great faith in God so they know where she is now.
Graveside Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Horatio Cemetery, with Zach Britton officiating under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home, of De Queen.
You may leave a condolence online at www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com