On Friday, October 23, 2026, Jarvis Donald "Don" Johnson, of Foxworth, Mississippi was surrounded by his loving family when he peacefully passed from this life into God's presence at the age of 87. He was born in Baxterville, Mississippi to Allen and Cleo Johnson and he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, laughter, and a deep love for his family. Don was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man whose greatest joys were found in the people he loved and the memories they made together. He shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Faye. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the values they passed down through the generations. Their years together were a testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and memories. He was a graduate of Columbia High School and he dedicated more than 40 years of his life to Griner Drilling Services, faithfully working to provide for his family.
Don took great pride in raising his boys. He coached their baseball teams, taught them to hunt and fish, and showed them the importance of faith, honesty, family, and love. He was a member of Foxworth First Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling with the YAH (Young at Heart) group from his church. He also treasured family vacations and the special memories made along the way. An avid outdoorsman, he was a phenomenal deer hunter, especially with a bow killing over 50 deer with a bow and arrow alone, and one of the best crappie fishermen around. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies; they were family traditions that he loved passing down to his two sons and grandchildren. You would often find him in the floor playing with the grands and as they got older in the yard throwing the ball, “coaching” them.
Don also had a remarkable artistic talent. Inspired by watching Bob Ross, he became an exceptional painter, creating beautiful works of art that reflected his patience, creativity, and appreciation for God’s beautiful creation. His life was measured not only by his 87 years, but by the generations he influenced, the laughter he shared, the love he gave, and the lessons he taught. His family will forever cherish the memories, stories, and traditions he leaves behind. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts of his wife, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Patsy Johnson and a brother, Tony Johnson. Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Faye Alexander Johnson; two sons, Billy Don Johnson (Carolee) and Herchel Johnson (Lill); a sister, Allene McDonald (Johnny); five grandchildren, Zachary Johnson (Brittani), Adrian Burge (Paxton), Natalie Stafford (Nate), Brycen Johnson (Anna Claire), and Alexander Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Landrie Johnson, Blaire Johnson, Baylor Burge, Ryne Stafford, and Hudson Stafford; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
There will be a visitation for Don at Colonial Funeral Home on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Zach Smith and Reverend Ron Jordon, will be at Foxworth First Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00am. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00am until service time. Don will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery assisted by Zachary Johnson, Brycen Johnson, Nate Stafford, Paxton Burge, Jamie Alexander, Danny Alexander, Alexander Johnson, and Lance Alexander serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ferrel Brumfield, Charles Pittman, Hubby Griner, Neal Foxworth, Bobby Nichols, and Hugh Gene Smith.
