Mary Joyce Green Johnson

Mary Joyce Green Johnson, age 98, of Norman, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born on October 15, 1924, in Norman, the daughter of Sol and Josie Green.  On June 10, 1941, she was married to the love of her life, George Johnson, who preceded her in death on January 12, 2000.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Frederick; her eleven siblings, John, Agnes, Paul, James, Darius, Elwood, Finis, Lucy, Jeff, Sidney and Sol; her son-in-law, Wayne Shelstead; and her daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Johnson.

At the time of her death, Mary was the oldest living member of the Norman First Baptist Church, where she loved her church family.  Mary was a homemaker and proprietor of Sally’s Donut Shop in Cypress, California and for over sixty years, was a member of the Cypress American Legion Auxiliary.  She always enjoyed studying history and genealogy and had a passion for all animals.

Above all, Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, who loved and cherished her family with all her heart.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law, George Johnson of Fort Smith, Johnnie and Connie Johnson of Norman, Elwood and Laura Johnson of Bella Vista, and Moses and Genny Johnson of Anaheim, California; her two daughters, Lucy Theresa Dixon Shelstead of Norman, and Margaret McMillan of Cypress, California; twenty-six grandchildren; forty-nine great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren, with another little girl on the way; her sister-in-law, Ila Green of Mount Ida; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in the Mount Gilead Cemetery with Rev. Ken Parks and Joyce Dixon officiating.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel-Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, AR 71943.

Pallbearers will be her family members.

Honorary pallbearers will be her special nurses of Hospice Home Care, Angie, Tammy, and Debra; her wonderful CNA, Jennifer; her kind and caring case worker, Rachel; and Hospice Home Care Chaplain Jimmy Holland. Our family wishes to thank each of you for all of your kind care you gave to our mother and family during this very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, it was Mary’s request that memorials be made to the Mount Gilead Cemetery Fund, c/o David McCarter, 1378 Polk Creek Road, Caddo Gap, AR 71935.  

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.

A special message from our precious Mom:

            “I’ll see you on the other side.  I’ve had a good life, don’t grieve for me.”