Jima Johnson (Virginia Faye Morgan Johnson), age 79, of Murphy, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 19, 2020, eight days before her 80th birthday.
She was born on July 27, 1940 in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi to Sam Pole Morgan, Sr. and Augusta Mae Daniel Morgan. As the second of eleven children, Jima was raised outside of Sturgis, Mississippi on the homestead of the Morgan family in Morgantown.
After high school, Jima moved with her sisters to Memphis, Tennessee where she met her husband, Howard Edwin Johnson, Sr. of Chicago, Illinois. Jima and Howard were married in Memphis and shortly thereafter moved to Plano, Texas where they established their home and had three children: Margaret, Howie, and Debbi.
She proudly raised her children as their caregiver and homemaker, building a warm and safe place for them (and many of their friends) to build memories. As counselor to many, Jima was known to be a confidant and strength of support to all, including her children and grandchildren as Mom and Gigi.
In recent years, she faced the unimaginable by losing her daughters and husband within a period of three years. Despite a loss this significant, Jima was strong and prepared to stand beside her son, Howie, and beautiful grandchildren, to ensure they lived full and hopeful lives. Jima’s life was cut short due to the COVID-19 virus.
She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her son, Howie Johnson of Murphy, Texas and grandchildren, Elizabeth and John Nichols of Louisville, Kentucky and Katelyn Laster of McKinney, Texas. Jima also leaves behind five sisters; three brothers; seven sisters- and brothers-in-law; 21 nieces and nephews; and 42 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam Pole Morgan, Sr. and Augusta Mae Morgan of Sturgis, Mississippi; brother-in-law, Walter Cecil Harrison Jr. of New Albany, Mississippi; husband, Howard Johnson of Murphy, Texas; daughters, Margaret Ann Johnson Nichols and Debrah Lea Johnson Laster of Plano, Texas; brother, Kenneth Edward Morgan of Starkville, Mississippi; and sister, Patsy Ruth Morgan of Tampa, Florida. Jima leaves a legacy that will be forever remembered.
The family is grateful for the unending support and love from friends and family throughout their lives, but especially in recent years. The support and love that has been expressed is deeply and warmly appreciated.
A memorial service will be held at Morgan Chapel Baptist Church in Sturgis, Mississippi at a future date where Jima will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Morgantown family cemetery.