Becky Johnson

Rebecca Leigh Payne Johnson, 67, of Fort Smith, passed away August 6, 2026, in Fort Smith, where she was born and raised. Becky was born August 9, 1958, to Roy D. and Patsy Payne, she graduated from Northside High School and the University of Arkansas. She later earned her Master’s in Education from Arkansas Tech University.

A beloved teacher, Becky taught 12 years at First United Methodist Weekday School and 5 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary in North Little Rock. She returned to Fort Smith in 2019 and began teaching at Immaculate Conception Preschool, where she was preparing to begin her 8th year. A longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, she enjoyed serving in children’s and youth ministries. Becky loved sewing, smocking baby gowns for every baby born into the family. She spent many nights painting brooms and plates for special occasions. She also enjoyed cooking for any occasion and creating the craft column for Entertainment Fort Smith magazine. Above all, Becky cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and beloved cat Mike.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children:

Emily Johnson Goodhart and her husband Matt of Little Rock; Alex Johnson and his wife Erin of Sarasota, Florida; and Adrienne Johnson Doughty and her husband Ryan of Mena; and her nine grandchildren: Payton, McKinley, Wesley, and Georgeanne Goodhart; Elsa Johnson; and Lily Kate, Saylor, Beckham, and Magnolia Doughty; her sister Karen Hembree of Rogers; her brother David and sister-in-law Donna of Fort Smith; and many other family and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4100 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Preschool or St. Paul United Methodist Church.