Obituary

JOYCE VIOLET JOHNSON
(June 6, 2015)

JOYCE VIOLET BECKETT JOHNSON passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2015, in the comfort of her home in Barboursville, West Virginia. Born on January 12, 1928, to Robert Lee and Gladys Ross Beckett, her youth was spent at the Madison Creek area of Cabell County. During her elementary school years she attended a one-room schoolhouse as both student and housekeeper. The consummate caregiver, she took on the task of arriving before the others to stoke the fire to ensure the comfort of her fellow classmates. As a teen, Joyce worked for Dr. G.O. McClellan while she attended Guyan Valley High School located in West Hamlin, West Virginia. Although she was never formally trained as a nurse, she mended many broken bones and hearts with her caring and kind demeanor and inspired her granddaughter to choose a career in nursing. During World War II she supported the war effort by working at the Sylvania plant in Huntington where she was elected to be the sweater pin up girl, a role in which she took great pride. She married Allen Ray Johnson in 1947 and together they raised three children. The roles of housewife, mother, and friend came natural to her. Ever hospitable- Joyce made certain that a hot meal, warm bed, and lively conversation were offered to everyone who crossed the threshold of her immaculate home. She spent many hours entertaining others with tales of her world travels, ATV expeditions, and the accomplishments of her family. She was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Madison Creek, where her father and grandfather served as deacons. In addition to her parents and infant siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Allen Ray Johnson; son George Robert "Bob" Johnson; daughter-in-law Judith "Judy" Johnson; sister Ruby Ann McComas; and brother David Lee Beckett. Survivors include brother Herman (Melanie) Beckett of Milton, W.Va.; son Allen Ray Johnson II of Ashland, Ky.; and daughter Carol Ann (Larry) Christopher of Barboursville, W.Va. JoJo was an inspiration to her grandchildren, all of whom have careers that reflect the compassion she instilled in them: Robert Allen "Robbie" (Tracy) Johnson of Short Pump, Va.; Staci Diane (Gary) Johnson Knight of Barboursville, W.Va.; James Scot "Jimbo" Adkins (Sheridan Newman) of Milton, W.Va.; Robert Lee "Cruise" (Courtney) Johnson of Man, W.Va.; Andrea Raye Adkins (Patrick Pucheta) of Barboursville, W.Va.; Christopher "Kyle" Johnson (Kourtney Thompson) of Man, W.Va.; and Sarah Joyce Adkins (Will May), Barboursville, W.Va. JoJo's playfulness and energy will continue with her great grandchildren: Larry Jakob "Jake" O'Bryan, Olivia Nicole Knight, and Hayden "Luke" Neace of Barboursville, W.Va.; Brooke Elizabeth and Emily Katherine Johnson of Short Pump, Va.; Robert "Landon" Owens and Kinlee Olivia Johnson of Man, W.Va.; and Cassius Ray Adkins of Nitro, W.Va. Also surviving are: sister-in-law Myra "Brownie" Beckett; daughter-in-law Rosemarie "Rosie" Johnson; special neighbors Ina Paul, Donna Carter, and Mark Nibert; extended members of the family Janet Carr and Jim Adkins and Betty Pierce; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to acknowledge the following for their professional care: Terrence Triplett, MD; George Linsenmeyer, MD; Jackie Jackson, FNP; Michael Collins, DO; St. Mary's Medical Center IMCU nursing staff (especially the Tiffany's, Allison, Bubba, Victoria, and Tim) and nursing staff on 4 South Team 4 (with special gratitude to Travis, Mandy, Sherry, Ken, Jeff, Chasity, Hunter, Misty, and Stacie Doss); Pastor Paul with St. Mary's Pastoral Care; Crystal Withrow with Gentiva Home Health; and Karen Laney with Hospice of Huntington. The outpouring of love for JoJo and her family has been overwhelming. Our heartfelt appreciation for everyone who has made calls, visits, overnight stays, meals, ran errands, and included us in your prayers, your love for our mother and grandmother is touching. Visitation will be Friday June 12, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville. Pastor Barry Cremeans will conduct funeral services on Saturday June 13, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with burial at Enon Cemetery in Salt Rock, W.Va. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Knight, Patrick Pucheta, and Will May.