Judy Carlene Perritt Johnson, 75, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, surrounded by her family. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and as a strong believer in Jesus Christ, she was prepared and ready to go Home.
Judy was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on October 13th, 1947, to Carl Bently and Mary Elizabeth Perritt. She was raised in Urbana, Arkansas, in a Christian home by parents who showed unconditional love for God, each other, and their two daughters. This bond of family love and closeness between Judy, her parents, and her sister, Saundra, lasted a lifetime.
Judy graduated in 1965 from Strong High School in Strong, Arkansas. She was the Salutatorian of her class as well as an active club member, cheerleader, and basketball player who was named All-District. She married her high school sweetheart, Gill Johnson, on March 26, 1965. Together they attended Louisiana Tech University, where she was named Outstanding Business Student during her senior year. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Business and Education.
Eventually, Judy and Gill moved to Strong where they raised their two children, Jennifer and Mitchell. Judy was an exemplary Christian mother showing the same love and care to her children that she experienced during her own childhood. She was a solid foundation and support for her family. She later became a beloved “Meme” to her three grandchildren, Clayton, Mary Beth, and Maddox. The love and devotion shown to Judy by her children and grandchildren for the rest of her life was a testimony to the sweet relationship they all shared.
Wherever she lived, Judy was a faithful and active church member. At her home church in Urbana, she served as church pianist. In Strong, she played the organ and was a dedicated Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School director. She worked in whatever capacity she was needed and volunteered for several mission trips, at home as well as abroad. She was also privileged to go to the Holy Land. She and Gill moved to El Dorado in recent years, where they became members of First Baptist Church. There, she taught Sunday School and continued to serve as she was led until her declining health prevented her from doing so.
Judy was a people person with an outgoing personality and wonderful smile. Everyone who knew her agreed the best word to describe her was "priceless". Through the years she made many lasting friendships and was blessed with dear friends. She supported various community organizations and endeavors and had a compassionate spirit, especially for those in need. She knew and returned the love of her two Bichons, Muffin and Pandora and had a special place in her heart for UCAPS.
Some of Judy’s favorite pastimes included playing the piano, reading, Bible study, decorating, and listening to inspirational sermons and Christian music. She loved her country and prayed for it daily. She remained true to her beliefs and principles. Her time with her family brought her great joy. They travelled extensively throughout the United States and looked forward to their family vacations, especially those at the beach where they spent many happy times. They were perhaps happiest together at their place on Lake D’Arbonne, where they were all able to be together once again this summer.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gill Johnson; daughter, Jennifer Johnson (Jon) Wedgeworth of Benton, Arkansas; son, Mitchell Gill (Jill) Johnson of Brandon, Mississippi; grandchildren, Mary Beth Wedgeworth of Benton, Arkansas, Clayton Bolding of Atlanta, Georgia, and Maddox Johnson of Brandon, Mississippi; sister, Saundra Elizabeth (Doug) Fitzgerald of Crossett, Arkansas; and extended family and friends.
Visitation will be 1-2 pm , Sunday, September 10, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Strong with the funeral service following at 2 pm with Rev. Jonathan Kelley and Rev. Brian Trostle. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery by Youngs Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Johnson family.
