Jerry Johnson

Jerry Johnson passed away peacefully at her home on July 19, 2025 at the age of 101. She was born December 19,1923 in Crowley, Louisiana to Frank and Velma Holder. The family moved to Stuttgart, Arkansas where she she played xylophone in the marching band and graduated from high school.

She attended Henderson State University for 2 years where she met the love of her life, Carl Johnson. She transferred to Louisiana State University where she was a music major with piano being her instrument. She also joined Chi Omega Sorority at LSU.

World War 2 interrupted her courtship with Carl but when the war ended, they married in March of 1946. After living in Fayetteville for 2 years for Carl to complete his degree at the University of Arkansas, they moved to Hot Springs where he became owner/manager of Johnson Cleaners, and she became their bookkeeper.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and Junior Auxiliary in Hot Springs and was an avid swimmer at the YMCA. She spent every morning there for many years swimming laps with friends.

Jerry was an avid sports fan and loved following the Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. She had a real dilemma every year when Arkansas and LSU would play against each other but she usually ended up wearing red that day.

She is predeceased by both parents; her husband of 63 years, Carl; and a nephew, Jim Johnson of Little Rock. Survivors include her daughter, Jan Johnson of Boulder, Colorado; her sister, Ann Goff of Hot Springs; two nieces, Dianne Parker and Jennifer Outler of Hot Springs; and a nephew, Richard Gilliam of Hot Springs.

A very special thanks goes out to her loving caregivers: Suzanne Dater, Martha Davis, Tina Willis, Jill Henson, Della Smith, Linda Teague, and Delinda Hodges. Also, thanks and appreciation to the staff at Arkansas Hospice.

The family will hold a private ceremony and burial to honor her life. Please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs or the Humane Society of Garland County in her memory.