Deenie Johnson

Deenie was born on July 5, 1932, daughter of Jennings Ferrill Hill and Irene Setzer Hill of Jackson County, Missouri. She attended Northeast High School in Kansas City, graduating in 1949 as a member of the National Honor Society. In 1953 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from the University of Kansas City. At university Deenie was a student reporter, Queen of the Kangaroo Hop, and officer of the Sigma Beta sorority. In 1954 she married dental student William Robert Johnson, Jr. (Bob), who would become her loving husband of more than fifty years.

Deenie taught elementary school as Bob completed his surgical training and military service and daughter Melanie Ann and son William Robert III (Bill) were born. The Johnsons moved to Hot Springs in 1960 when Bob began his oral surgery practice. Deenie was actively involved in her children’s education and activities, her community, and First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. After Bob’s death, she enjoyed living at West Shores until she moved to Little Rock to be closer to family.

Known for her smart humor and keen sense of style, Deenie was an engaging and caring friend to many. She was an avid reader, talented interior decorator, and fan of British mysteries. Deenie and Bob traveled frequently to England and Missouri, helping the family reconnect to its British and American settler ancestry. Perceptive and genuine, Deenie most enjoyed visiting with family and friends, generously sharing her love and quick wit.

Deenie is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Bob Johnson. She is survived by daughter Melanie Johnson Strigel and son-in-law Ingemann Strigel of Little Rock; and by son William Robert Johnson III and daughter-in-law Jenny Robertson Johnson of Austin, Texas. Deenie was a devoted, generous, and inspiring grandmother to her six grandchildren Kirsten Carter (Erin), Lise Debiak (Marc), William Strigel, Brian Strigel, Will Johnson, and Gil Johnson; and to her five great-grandchildren, Isaac, Drew, Avery, Sam, and baby Elliott. They will miss her encouraging words and brilliantly funny stories, but feel her love always.

Services will be at 10 A.M. Friday January 25 at Gross Funeral Home, Hot Springs, Arkansas, with Rev. Kathleen McMurray officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901.