Willie Jean Johnson

Willie Jean was born on July 13, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, to Willie Cooper and Lou Jean Cooper(Barrett). She was the fourth of eight children and grew up in a close-knit family where faith, hard work, and loyalty ran deep. She graduated with high honors from

W.W. Samuel High School, Class of 1972 - a bright student with determination that carried her far in life.

Though she started out quiet and reserved, Willie Jean blossomed into a social force. A paper route she launched in her early twenties opened the door to her natural gift for connecting with others. From that point on, she never met a stranger — she made friends wherever she went with her warm smile, quick wit, and down-to-earth presence.

Willie Jean began a dedicated public service career with Health and Human Services for the City of Dallas, eventually stepping into a role that would define her professional legacy. For 31 years, she served as an executive assistant to various Police Chiefs with the Dallas Police Department.

After her retirement in 2010, she embraced life fully. She loved garage sales, collecting vintage items, volunteering with the church, working on DIY home projects, and being outdoors. Whether walking her neighborhood, tidying up her yard, or exploring the city, she moved with energy. She especially loved the State Fair of Texas and was known to go every day.

Willie Jean was deeply family-oriented. She loved spending time with family, especially her father, with whom she shared a unique bond as a true “daddy’s girl.” She was also a woman of strong faith and a devoted member of several churches in Dallas throughout her life.

She is survived by her two sons, Shannon (Creshonna) and Stacy; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings: Milton, Bishop (Terri), Phillip (Tonja), Sarah, and Sands (Myra), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Willie Cooper and Lou Jean Cooper (Barrett) and brothers Nolan and Steve.

Willie Jean’s legacy is one of resilience, strong-will, realness, and faith. She lived life on her own terms, worked hard, and enjoyed the simple things. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

“Her words were real, her mind was strong, her heart was steady, and her presence was a gift.”