Mary Frances Johnson

Mary was born on October 20, 1929 in Park Hill, OK the daughter of Pete Sparks and Elizabeth E. (Ross) Sparks. Mary spent most of her childhood days in Park Hill with her grandparents, Gilbert Russell Ross and his wife Mary. Later as a young teenager, Mary lived in San Francisco with a dear Aunt and Uncle, James and Maggie Ross. Returning to Tahlequah after the war, Mary met her teenage sweetheart and everlasting love, Robert Johnson. Robert and Mary married on Christmas Day, December 25, 1947. Together they raised three children and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Mary was a devoted wife and mother who spent her life in the home exhibiting daily her spiritual gifts of hospitality, service to others, and encouragement. Mary’s greatest joy was in serving and caring for others, which she did tirelessly in addition to supporting and caring for her own home and family. Additionally, Mary supported her husband in the operation of his business, Bob Johnson and Sons Plumbing and Heating in Tahlequah, OK. Mary enjoyed a simple life as a homemaker and mother but loved reading, crocheting and traveling to Nevada to visit her mother and sisters. A Baptist by faith, Mary was called home to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 1, 2011 with family and loved ones by her side. Mary was 81 years, 11 months and 1 day old. Her gentle spirit, encouraging smile, loving and compassionate nature will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Mary is survived by two brothers, Russell G. Talley of Washington state, Reuben Talley and wife Phyllis of Broken Arrow, OK, and two sisters, Betty Gillard and her husband Gil of Henderson, Nevada and Ellen Roberson and her husband Jack also of Henderson, Nevada, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Robert , her parents, and one sister Sadie Fay Catron of California.

Mary’s children and grandchildren who continue to keep her memory include her daughter, Shirley J. Munson and husband Edward of Minnesota, her sons Robert Coleman Johnson and wife Robin of Tahlequah, OK, and William Russell Johnson, also of Tahlequah, OK. Her legacy lives on in her five grandchildren, Jason Scott Kelly and wife Sharna of Missouri, Denise M. Weaver and husband Matthew of Ohio, David C. Johnson and wife Kristen of Tahlequah, OK, Amanda N. Johnson and Jessica L. Johnson, also of Tahlequah, OK. She also leaves four great grandchildren, Tyler and Caden Kelly of Missouri, Cage Garrett and Meko Lowe of Tahlequah, OK, as well as a host of friends and loved ones who will miss her.