Martha Ruth Johnson

Martha (or Nana as she was affectionately known) was born in Gibsland, LA to Louis J. Radin and Fernie Wimberly Radin. She moved to Galveston, TX when she was eight years old.

Martha graduated from Galveston Central High School in 1953. She then graduated from the Prairie View University School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse.

Martha married the love of her life, Richard Vernon Johnson, on November 2, 1957. They were married for 53 years, before Richard passed away on September 7, 2011. Martha and Richard had three children: Darryl Johnson (infant) deceased; Karen Featherston; and Tracey Johnson.

Martha and Richard traveled the country during Richard’s Army career, before settling in El Paso and Austin.

Martha worked for many years in El Paso at Providence Hospital and then as a school nurse in the Ysleta School District. In 1986, Martha and Richard moved to Austin, TX and she went to work for the Health and Human Services Commission and the Austin State School.

Martha was very active socially and in politics. She served state primary delegate and as a volunteer voting clerk for 13 years in Austin and El Paso. She was also a proud Commissioner appointee to the El Paso Civil Service Commission. She was also a member of the Texas Black Democrats and she was President of the Silhouette’s Civic and Social Club in El Paso.

Martha also was a devout Catholic and a parishioner at the St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin, TX.

Martha loved to travel with family and friends Willie and David Molix. She visited many cities, states, and countries including New Mexico, New Jersey, Hawaii, Paris, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She enjoyed seven cruises.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents Fernie and Louis Radin; her brothers Elgin (Buddy) Radin and Thomas (Sandy) Radin; and her sister Patsy Champion.

Martha is survived by her sister, Betty Otems; her loving daughters, Karen Featherston (David Featherston) and Tracey Johnson (Terry Spoonhunter); her precious granddaughters, Sarah and Jessica Featherston; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral mass led by Reverend Craig DeYoung will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757. Following the funeral mass will be a graveside service from 12:15 PM to 12:30 PM at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78731.