Rena Marie Johnson

Rena Marie Sonnier Johnson, 95, of Baton Rouge passed away at 10:00 PM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in a Baton Rouge hospice facility.

Born on October 2, 1929, in St. Martinville, Louisiana, she was lovingly raised between Duson and Lake Charles by both sets of grandparents.

She later moved to New Orleans for a time but ultimately made her home in Lake Charles, where she worked as a bookkeeper for Muller’s Department Store. Her later years brought her to Baton Rouge to be near her beloved son and son-in-law.

Mrs. Johnson spent a period as a baker in the cafeteria of College Oaks Elementary School, where she delighted students with her warm treats. She was a devout Catholic and former member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, where she served faithfully as an usher, was a member of the Catholic Daughters, and a volunteer. Later, she became a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Her heart for service extended into the community through her involvement with the VFW Post 2130 Ladies Auxiliary, where she held positions as past president and national secretary. She was especially proud to sponsor a Mardi Gras parade for children with disabilities.

She loved crocheting, working crossword puzzles, painting, and sewing—always crafting something beautiful with her hands and her heart.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Robert Johnson (Rick Vallet); grandchildren, Tonja Rapp (Pat), Jason Palombo (Shauna), and Patrick Palombo (Brooke); great grandchildren, Harley Rider (Ryan), Christian Palombo (Makenzie), and Madeline Palombo; great great grandchildren, Karson Rider, Elizabeth Rider, and Poppy Palombo; siblings, Louise Savoy (Jimmy) and Dallas Sonnier (Peggy); son in law, Charles Palombo; sisters in law, Joyce Sonnier and Ann S. Broussard; and special aunts, Virginia Pepper and Helen Pastor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Johnson; daughter, Maydelle Palombo; parents, Clairiel and Maydelle Sonnier; stepmother, Bertha Sonnier; and brothers, Raymond and Eddie Sonnier.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven. Father Joshua Page will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until leaving for the church at 11:30 AM with a rosary being recited at 11:00 AM.