Geneva E. Johnson, 95
Geneva Evelyn Johnson, 95, of Sullivan, died of the covid-19 virus on Sept. 10, 2020, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Due to the current pandemic, a private family service was held at Bourbon Cemetery, where Mrs. Johnson was buried alongside her son.
She was born Aug 12, 1925, in the Ozark County community of Trail, the daughter of Edward and Nola Pendergrass. She was one of 22 children in her family, including nine half-siblings. She completed high school in Ava, attended teachers’ training in Springfield and then taught in a one-room school before marrying Eugene Johnson in 1948.
She published two memoirs about growing up in her large family, the last on etitled “My Miracle Mom and Pop.”
She was a faithful member of Sullivan Church of Christ and exemplified the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. She was hospitable to friends, family and strangers. She was also an accomplished cook who published two cookbooks featuring favorite family recipes.
In 2017, Mrs. Johnson gave each of her 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren a handmade embroidered quilt. She generously dedicated herself to the well-being of her family. Even in advanced age, her first concern was for her family, not herself.
She had a great sense of humor and was very quick-witted, with the ability to make others feel special and at ease.
Mrs. Johnson enjoyed gardening, traveling, watching “Wheel of Fortune,” eating cornbread and potato soup, and spending time with her sisters. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Gene; three daughters, Cathy Fife, Connie Craft and husband Jerry, and Crystal Smith and husband Tom; three sisters, Doroline Barnes, Ann Newton and Shirley Hart and husband Robert; two brothers, Dale Pendergrass and Larry Pendergrass and wife Sandra; 10 grandchildren: Elizabeth Scott and husband Gary, Sarah Helton, Freddy Fife, Jon Fife and wife Kes, Chris Craft and wife Monica, Matt Smith and wife Melody, Rebecca Walker and husband Troy, Rachel Smith and companion Gavin Halbert, Jesse Smitha and wife Katelyn, and Sam Smith; 14 great-grandchildren: Mitchell Craft, Andrew Scott, Lane Jones, Carter Helton, Kamryn Wideman, Luke Scott, Payton Helton, Maci Smith, Maris Craft, Alyiah Smith, Casey Walker, Savannah Walker, Gavin Smith and Calvin Smith; brother-in-law, J.D. Thompson; and sister-in-law Louise Pendergrass.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, John; her son-in-law, Fred Fife; five sisters, Verlie Freeman, Orpha Freeman, Dorothy Abbott, Pauline Thompson and Una Uhlman; and 10 brothers, T.J. Parsley and Carl Parsley, and Claude, Buck, Jack, Estel, Paul, Eli, Charlie and Ronnie Pendergrass, and an unnamed infant brother.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bourbon Scholarship Fund in care of Mary Heywood, P.O. Box 747, Bourbon, MO 65441. Online condolences may be expressed at eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan.