Winifred C. Johnson

Winifred Mae Cox Johnson passed peacefully to Heaven on October 15, 2024 at the age of 95. She is missed dearly by her adoring family. Winifred was born on December 1st, 1928 in Houston, TX to Colonel Demmie H. Cox and Winifred C. Cox, who preceded her in death. Winifred wed the love of her life, Major Harry William “Bill” Johnson, on February 10, 1951 in Houston, TX. They were married for more than 61 years at the time of Bill’s passing in 2012. We are comforted to know they are once again dancing to the Tennessee Waltz together, reunited in Heaven.

Winifred’s life was defined by her love of family and our Lord Jesus, both of which she instilled across her six children, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Although she was born Winifred, to her family she was a one-named legend: Keemaw. Keemaw was brave, moving around the country multiple times to support Bill’s career in the Air Force, and giving birth to her first child while Bill was overseas serving his country. Even braver, she raised a boisterous brood of six children–the “dirty half dozen”--and was a compassionate caretaker for numerous other family members.

Our beloved matriarch was our family’s rock and personal Comforter-in-Chief, always putting her family first, celebrating our triumphs, and crying with us in our heartbreak. Her positive, caring spirit lifted up our lives. Keemaw and Papa’s home was the center of decades of memories for five generations of family members, numerous friends, and more than 15 Boston Terriers. We will forever remember Keemaw’s laugh brightening the room during game nights filled with dominoes, cards, and nachos. We cherish the memory of her smile as she joined her kids and grandkids playing in the pool. We are so grateful for her constant prayers for our blessings and safety, asking God to send His angels to watch over us.

Keemaw and Papa’s legacy of love will continue to endure through their family, who are living witnesses to their character and lives as part of the Greatest Generation. Keemaw is survived by her daughter Teri Johnson-Sapp & husband Tom Sapp, her daughter Julie & husband Steve Van Winkle, daughter Linda Johnson, son Joel & wife Patricia Johnson, son Jerald Johnson, and daughter Joanie & husband Troy Sapp; her grandchildren Brian Johnson & wife Adele, Stephanie Allen & husband Mark, Priscilla Bearden & husband Wade, Timothy Van Winkle, Shelby Johnson-Sapp & husband Jason, Kelsey Johnson-Sapp, Billy Acree, Wesley Acree, Daniel Acree, Scott Acree, and Joel Baxter Johnson; her 8 great-grandchildren, Haden & wife Natalia, Sheridan, Marisa, Weston, Lincoln, Jack, Ailsa, and Leona; & her 2 great-great-grandchildren, Enzo and Mia. The family is especially grateful to Jerald and the special kitty-cat Rocky for taking such great care of our Keemaw over the last many years, just as she took care of us her whole life. We love you Keemaw, Mom, our Angel in Heaven, you are so dearly missed!

Family and friends are invited to attend services to honor Winifred’s life and legacy:

Friday, November 15th, 2024, Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023. 1pm Visitation, 2pm Funeral Service, 3pm Graveside Service