Della Johnson

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Della Laverne Johnson, age 85, of Noel, Missouri, passed away on January 26th 2023 after a long illness.

She was born August 20th 1937 in Anthony, Kansas, daughter of Vernon and Bertha Brown. Her family of 8 siblings moved from Kansas to Gravette, Arkansas where they owned and operated a movie theater and then moved to Noel, Missouri where they owned and operated a milking business.

 

On October 10, 1955 Della was united in marriage to Joe Johnson of Noel, Missouri, who survives. Also surviving are her children Glenda Dalton, (Danny), of Washburn, Missouri, Beverly Goff (Jess) of Nokomis, Florida, and Joe Johnson, Jr. (Judy) of Noel, Missouri. Surviving grandchildren are Sean McCullough (Kristy), Robert Reynolds (Crystal), Brandon Reynolds (Lorena), Lauren Ciulla (Samuel) and Jeremy Johnson (Hannah), and Andrea Johnson (Jorge). Great grandchildren surviving are Gracie and Ellie McCullough, Kaylee and Clayton Hedgpeth, Madison and Katelyn Reynolds, Alex Hernandez, Blake, Isaac, Emma Reynolds, Mason, Lydia and Charlee Johnson, and Joey Martinez. Sibling Kenneth Brown survives along with sisters-in-law Becky Johnson, Wanda Long, Darlene Coyan, Dorothy Spencer, Janice Moss. Sandy Burke, Debbie Morrison, and Susan Johnson along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Vernon and Bertha Brown, grandson, Jason Christopher McCullough, great granddaughter, Maelie Marie McCullough, and siblings, Ted Brown, Alvin Brown, Violet Carr, Marie Putman, Harold Brown, and Marland Brown.

Della graduated in 1955 from Noel High School and attended the United Methodist and Nazarene Churches in Noel. In 1985, Della and Joe purchased a farm on Pack Road which they named ““Hidden Acres.” They raised cattle and her many “kitties” as she called them.

Their cows were her babies and she called each one by name and made sure they were groomed to perfection. She loved working outdoors, gardening, and all work on the farm. Della loved her cows, kitties and the Atlanta Braves, watching many games on television.

She not only worked with Joe on the farm but was his escort driver for many years as he pulled mobile homes across the country for Diplomat, Sundance and New Style Homes. They made a great team. Della also worked as a seamstress at Epic Upholstery making furniture.

Della was the “Life of the party” full of spunk, wit, laughter, and fun. She loved music, singing, dancing to the jitterbug, sewing for her children and grandchildren, and being a great homemaker. She enjoyed baking and was known for her homemade pies. She cherished spending time with her family and many friends. Her contagious smile brought light and love to everyone, especially her family. As a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend her inspiration will live on in all of us. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral service for Della will be held at the Noel Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Butler Creek Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the Noel Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at this time.