Virginia Aguilar Gonzalez Johanson

Virginia was born May 20, 1927, in Calvert, Texas, to loving parents Miguel and Narcisa Gonzalez alongside six siblings; Antonio C., Celia, Benita, Antonio, Josephine, and Margaret.

“I am proud of my heritage and thankful to have been reared in a home where there was a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, uncle and seven of us children. Always a modest home but never went hungry.” – Virginia, 2011

Virginia attended Crozier Technical High School in Dallas, where she received secretarial (typing and shorthand) and accounting training. She took night school courses at Southern Methodist University, Richland College, and Brookhaven College, and took computer courses when they were introduced for office work.

She married Elias (Eli) Vargas Aguilar in June 1947-July 1978 with two children, Robert Aguilar and Yvonne (Aguilar) Johanson; Married to Paul L. Gonzalez from March 1990 to February 1999; Married to Milton Johanson on May 2001-July 2018. She was widowed three times.

“I don’t study the bible like I should be, but there are favorite scriptures that I have leaned on for peace, assurance, etc. I make it a point to say the Lord’s Prayer (Psalm 23:1-6) at bedtime and ask the Lord to bless the son he gave me and my daughter to play with my son. What wonderful gifts He bestowed on me and Eli. To make the blessings more precious, the Lord selected June to marry Rob and Yvonne to marry Tom. The family kept expanding… Wow.” Virginia, 2011

Virginia leaves behind to treasure her memories: sister, Margaret Martinez; son, Robert Aguilar (June); daughter, Yvonne Johanson (Tom); four grandchildren, Christine Aguilar, Rachel (James) Swasey Lynch, J Johanson, Jacob (Abigail) Johanson; nine great grandchildren, Grace Aguilar-Meyer, Tara Gordon, Elijah Swasey, Faith Swasey, Mila Johanson, Taylor (Ben) Vickers, Jazmine Johanson, Mala Johanson, and Allyson Johanson; two great-great grandchildren, Elena Vickers and Samuel Adan; plus many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. She made a lasting, positive impact in our lives.

This remarkable woman worked hard and started as a bookkeeper and retired after 33 years as Vice President/ Finances at the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce (NDCC). She was always striving to improve herself and make a professional contribution wherever she went.

“When I worked for the Chamber of Commerce, I was assigned to take minutes when there was a meeting of the Board of Directors. I joined a group studying parliamentary procedure and after a certified amount of study and passing tests, I remained a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and Texas State Association of Parliamentarians. I remain a member to this day as “retired.” I realized my public timidity when asked to speak to crowds, so I joined the Toastmistress organization.”

As a member for more than 35 years of International Training in Communication, Virginia eventually rose to Chairman (President) of Council 5; she was the first Mexican-American to hold this position. She joined the National Association of Parliamentarians in 1970 and achieved the status of Professional Registered Parliamentarian in August of 1987. Her professional highlight in parliamentary law was serving as President of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians in 1993-94. Once again, she was the first Mexican-American in Texas to hold this high office.

She taught English through the English Learning Program (ELP) through the Presbyterian Church; in retirement, she was active in Farmers Branch Senior Citizen Center; plus, she was an active Garden Club member.

Virginia and Eli Aguilar purchased a home in Dallas, Texas, in February of 1962, for $18,000! Their shared dream was further realized when their two children graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. As parents who had been unable to pursue higher education, they knew its importance.

Virginia was an avid traveler and loved flying free due to her son being a pilot, Captain Robert Aguilar. She visited Spain, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and throughout the United States, including many trips to Hawaii.

“Thanks to my son being a pilot and employed by well-known airlines and being the mother of Captain Rob Aguilar, I was able to travel very economically to places I never dreamed possible.”

Virginia loved her family and hosted many events in her own home. She spent every 4th of July for the last 30 years celebrating with family at Lake Viking, Missouri.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

In her honor, there will be a visitation on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Sparkman Funeral Home, 1029 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, Texas. On Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, there will be a short visitation; funeral services at 11:00 am; reception around noon. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery across the street at approximately 1:30 pm.