Regena S. Johnson

Regena Johnson lived a life full of love, laughter, and quiet strength. Born in her parents' farmhouse in Aledo, Oklahoma, in October 1932, she was the daughter of Grady and Cecil McCorkle and grew up surrounded by faith, hard work, and family. The lessons she learned there - kindness, perseverance and humility - stayed with her for the rest of her life.
After the family moved to Midwest City in 1945, Regena graduated from Midwest City High School in 1950 and later attended Oklahoma Baptist University. She met the love of her life in Highschool, Joe Johnson, whom she married on March 24, 1951 and together they built a beautiful life anchored in family, friendship, and community. Joe preceded her in death, but the love they shared continued to shape the lives of everyone who knew them.
Regena was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and her brother Bob McCorkle. She is survived by her sister Lucy Markham, whose husband Roger preceded her in death; her brother William McCorkle and his wife Betty; her sister Sena Peterson and her husband Alvin; and her brother Grady McCorkle and his wife Danette.
She was the proud mother of Debbie Crossfield and her husband Pat and Patsy Palmer and her husband Chris, whose families were her greatest joy. Her grandchildren -Dustin Crossfield and his partner Cathy Menefee, Jeff Crossfield and his wife Khrys, Matt Palmer and his wife Leah, and Taylor Palmer -and her great-grandchildren -Joey Crossfield, Cayden Crossfield, Lauren Crossfield, Annaliese Palmer, William Palmer, Lucy Palmer, and Lola Palmer - along with many, many nieces and nephews were the light of her life. "Grandma's house" was always warm, full of stories, and stocked with treats she "didn't mean" to spoil anyone with.
Regena served as the Secretary at Midwest City High School for many years, becoming a familiar and welcoming face to thousands of students and teachers. Her patience, humor, and gentle care made her an essential part of the school family.
Regena's friends - a remarkable group of couples she and Joe met in her youth -remained by her side for more than 70 years. They shared dinners, trips, laughter, and life's milestones together, proving that true friendship can endure a lifetime.
A faithful member of St. Paul Episcopal Church, Regena's faith guided her daily. She loved her OSU Cowboys and OKC Thunder, loved to read, and was affectionately known as the "Techie Grandma" for her fondness for gadgets and always with a phone, iPad, or Kindle within reach.
Those who knew Regena remember her as kind, loyal, and endlessly generous. She gave her time and heart to others without hesitation and was loved deeply in return. Her neighbors adored her, her family cherished her, and her friends will feel her absence in every shared memory and familiar laugh.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to Vivian, whose care and compassion brought Regena comfort and dignity in her final months.
Regena's legacy is one of love, devotion, and quiet grace and the lasting mark of a life well lived. She will be missed beyond measure, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched.