Helen Downs Johnson, 98, formerly of Tyler, passed away at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 23, 2013. She was born on January 4, 1915 to William A. and Mary Tiffin Downs in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, C.F. Johnson; her parents; her sisters, Mary Virginia Hemphill and Marjorie McNamara; and her brothers, Tiffin Downs and George Downs.
While living in Tyler, Helen and C.J. owned Johnson’s Jewelers until 1981 when they retired and moved to Scottsdale. Helen was a member of Gertrude Windsor Garden Club, GCA, Garden Club of America, Symphony League, Alter Society of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, and was in and volunteered for many other organizations.
After moving to Scottsdale, Helen developed many new friends, and was a member of St. Maria Goretti parish, a member of the Franciscan Renewal Center, volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul, and the Scottsdale School District.
Left behind to celebrate Helen’s life on earth are her three sons, Foster Johnson and wife, Beverly of Scottsdale, Robert and wife, Sandy of Tyler and Chris of Scottsdale; her grandchildren; Leland Johnson and wife Vannette of Orlando, Florida; Shannon Shipman and her husband, David of Dallas; and Cayce Shults and her husband, Shaun of Tyler; and three great- grandchildren.
Helen was a true lady and gave her heart to everything she did. She always thought of others first and always found a way to “make things work.”
A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Officiating will be Very Rev. Anthony McLaughlin, JCD.
In lieu of flowers, if one wishes, memorials may be made to the charity or organization of one’s choice in her name.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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