Calla Maurice Johnson

Graveside services for Calla Maurice Johnson, age 87, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2015 in the Pollok Cemetery, corner of 69 North and Hwy 7 West. Reverend Steve Newton will officiate. Eulogy will be given by Amanda and Mia Hines.

Maurice was born November 30, 1927 in Asherton, Texas, the daughter of Ida Mae (Cooke) and Maurice Merle Smith. She passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015 in Conroe, Texas after a long struggle with dementia.

Maurice grew up in South Texas in the town of Benavides. The family moved to Houston where she graduated from Reagan High School in 1944. Maurice was a proud graduate of Rice University, class of 1948. She married Johnny Neal Dominey in 1950. They raised their three children in Lufkin, where Maurice continued to make her home until 2011.

Maurice married Edward Lee Johnson in 1977. She was an avid photographer and Eddie a woodworker. Together, they sold their work at arts and crafts shows around the state. They enjoyed camping in their RV and traveled the world together, visiting such diverse places as Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Europe. Maurice loved playing bridge with friends, sewing and quilting, reading, and going dancing. She also donated her time volunteering as an elections clerk and at the Kurth Memorial Library.

Maurice was employed by the First Presbyterian Church in Lufkin, where she was a member for many years. She also worked for the Texas Forest Service, and the US Forest Service, retiring in 1982.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward L. Johnson; and her sister, Phyllis Marlana Higgins.

Survivors include her three children, Kay Dominey Hines, Clifford S Dominey, and Martha Dominey Rabon; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephew, as well as other extended family and friends.

Maurice was a lifelong animal lover, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations to the Ellen Trout Zoo or the ASPCA.

Pallbearers will be Mike Rabon, Stephen Rabon, Dan Rabon, Kevin Allen, Michael Allen and Roland Higgins.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Hines, Phil Huber, and Donny Allen.

The family would like to recognize Nicole Wilson and the wonderful staff of Compassionate Care Senior Living in Conroe for giving support, care, and comfort to Maurice in the last few years.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until noon Friday at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.