Mother Iona Johnson

Mother Iona Johnson was born March 4, 1929 to Mr. Austin Johnson Sr. and Cora Anna Davis Johnson in Holly Grove, Arkansas. Her parents, sisters (Anna, Cadella, Hattie B, Jerelene, Ora Lee) brothers (John Henry, Austin) daughters Ernese Parks-Cooper and Marilyn Smith preceded her in death as well as her grandsons Stacy, Marcus, Paul and great grandsons Denim & Darrius. She received her education in the Holly Grove School District. Mother moved to St. Louis in May, 1955. She was gainfully employed at St. Anthony Hospital and retired after 28 years.

Mother Johnson became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in October 1961 where she was baptized under the late Pastoral leadership of Rev. Cleophus Robinson where she continued her faithful service under the current Pastor Paul C. Robinson Sr. Her servitude included being a member of the Health Unit, Church Cook and faithfully serving on the Mother’s Ministry.

Mother Johnson's love for her family was beyond measure. If you were to ask any of her grandchildren they would argue who was her favorite grandchild because they loved her as much as she loved them and it showed!

Mother Johnson had many loves in her such as making her infamous SWEET POTATO PIES, the St. Louis Cardinals, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune and her “spirited conversations with her sister Mary Alice regarding the Young and the Restless!

Mother Iona Johnson faithfully took her daily naps at 3:00pm and she received her wings at 2:59pm on July 22, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters (Dorothy Albert, Phyllis Johnson), bonus daughter (Lucille Raymond) five sons (Willie Johnson (Sandra), Ronald Brown, Leon Brown, Joseph Brown (Karen) & David Brown (Janet). She was blessed with (40) grandchildren, and a multitude of great and great-great grandchildren and still counting! To God Be the Glory!! Three sisters Mattie Flowers, Mary Alice Billups & Lillie B. Winters, four brothers Levi Johnson (Agnes), Eugene Johnson (Vickie), Irunos Johnson and Robert Lee. Her special daughter Kim Grice and a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and friends.

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