Patricia Johnson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Patricia Fay Johnson, 89, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital.

Patricia was born on April 18, 1936, in Joplin, Missouri, to the late Lawrence Brasher and Opal Tally. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1954 and soon began what would become a long and faithful career at First National Bank, where she dedicated 35 years of service. During her time there, she formed cherished friendships with Suzie Steinbeck, Barbara Smith, and Dixie Garvin. Together, they lovingly called themselves “The Rat Pack,” sharing laughter, annual trips to Disney World, and a lifelong bond that meant so much to each of them.

After retiring from the bank, Patricia and her beloved husband, Norman Dale Johnson, followed a shared dream and opened the Merry Christmas Tree Farm in Carthage, Missouri, in 1981. The farm became a cherished gathering place for family and community, filled each season with holiday joy, laughter, and treasured memories. She later worked for several years at Tangled Roots Nursery before beginning work in 2008 at Blood Tax Service. Kathy Blood became not only her employer, but a dear friend. Kathy deeply valued Pat and treated her with the utmost respect and love throughout the years. With her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, Patricia continued working each tax season until February 2, 2026.Pat was truly one of a kind — a precious soul with a sharp wit and a heart full of love. She had a remarkable ability to see things just as they were and speak truth with both honesty and humor. Her bond with her best friend and dear sister, Wanda, was a beautiful example of sisterhood — not only to each other, but to everyone around them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 43 years, Norman Dale Johnson (2019); her daughter, Leslie Moffet Fuller; and her siblings, Wanda Hancox, Gary Hill, and Bob Hill.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Randy Franks (Sandy), Renee’ Short, and Kelli Cragin. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Rose, Jacob, Joshua, Claire, Paige, Joshua Ryan, Camille (Stosh), Brady, Grant (Megan), Mallory (Khyle), and Jared, and a treasured great-grandmother to Kensli, Ryan, Wyatt, Reed, Chloe, Emerson, Hazel, and Liam.

Patricia is also survived by her beloved nieces, Patti (Bobby) and Kristi (Mike); her great-nephews Brandon (Amber) and Jonmichael (Emma); and her great-great-nephews, Landon and Rayce and many other nieces and nephews.

In honoring her wishes, Patricia will be cremated. A celebration of her life will be held on what would have been her 90th birthday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. at One Church, 2802 New Hampshire, Joplin, Missouri, with Dr. Adam Blood officiating. Following the service, a private celebration of life will be held at the Merry Christmas Tree Farm in Carthage, Missouri, officiated by Trey Laveroni, a fitting tribute in a place that held her heart and the heart of her family.

Patricia’s legacy is one of faithfulness, humor, strength, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.