Freeman Spur- Nancy Jo Johnson, 62, of Freeman Spur, went to be with the Lord at 5:04 AM, Friday, May 6, 2005 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Nancy was born on January 17, 1943 in Herrin to Ernest Edward & Ora Evelyn (Edwards) Grounds. She married Edward Wayne Johnson on May 25, 1961 in rural Williamson County. He survives of Herrin.
She worked several years at Smoler Bros in Herrin, before returning to school to receive her bachelors degree in nursing at McKendree College in 1987. She worked at Herrin Hospital for twenty years prior to her retirement. She worked a number of those years as charge nurse of the Goodrich Wing of Herrin Hospital before finishing out in same day surgery/ambulatory care. As a nurse she cared for and touched countless lives.
Nancy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Herrin. She was twice past Worthy Matron of the Anna Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Herrin. She was also a Grand Representative to British Colombia and the Yukon of Illinois. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending Eastern Star meetings and craftwork. She was an avid traveler and visited all fifty states, Canada, Mexico and England. Her favorite pastime was shopping at Wal-Mart where she would buy something for everyone but herself.
During her three year battle with cancer her unwavering faith, positive attitude and love for life was an inspiration to all who knew her. All who came expecting to comfort her, left feeling comforted and inspired by her amazing and uplifting spirit.
The legacy she leaves is Its a Wonderful Life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all those who have loved his appearing. (II Timothy 4:7-8)
SURVIVORS:
Husband- Wayne Johnson- Freeman Spur
Daughter & son in law- Jeannie & Rich Herring- Camargo, IL
Son & daughter in law- Jeff & Jennifer Johnson- Herrin
Son & daughter in law- Justin & Amy Johnson- Herrin
Son & daughter in law- Josh & Wendi Johnson- Herrin
Grandchildren:
Kailey Herring- Camargo Brittany Herring- Camargo
Ashley Johnson- Herrin Reagan Johnson- Herrin
Lauren Johnson- Herrin Joelle Johnson- Herrin
Jalenn Johnson- Herrin Jason Johnson- Due in July
Noah Johnson- Herrin
Brother & sister in law- Frank & Helen Grounds- Benton
Sister & brother in law- Jan (Grounds) & Artie Phillips- Herrin
Brother & sister in law- Todd & Elizabeth Grounds- Herrin
Many nieces & nephews & great nieces & nephews
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 9, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Don Grammer & Rev. Roger Teal will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00- 9:00 PM, Sunday, May 8, 2005 at the funeral home. An Eastern Star service will begin at 6:00PM, Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register; please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.