Obituary: Martha Evelyn Johnson

Martha (Evelyn) Joiner Johnson was born to parents John L. and Willie (Blanche) Joiner Aug. 8, 1929, in the small town of Hawkinsville, Georgia.

When she was very young, the Great Depression drove her family to Winter Garden, where her father worked in the citrus industry. She loved Winter Garden, beginning school at Winter Garden Elementary and graduating from Lakeview High School.

Our mother lived a full life, loving deeply. She faithfully cherished the memory of her true love, husband Lewis Johnson, who passed away more than 20 years ago. Together they shared more than 40 wonderful years, traveling extensively during his time in the U.S. Air Force, including living for a while in England.

Momma began her working career as a teenager at Florida Telephone Co. and retired from Sprint Telephone after 32-plus years of employment. But her biggest accomplishment, and what she was proudest of, was her family.

She was a loving and dedicated mother to Connie Graham (Lawrence) and Michael Johnson (Deborah); grandchildren, Heather Stinson (Allan), Ashley Reichwein (Eric), Jason Graham (Lauren) and Kyle Johnson (and soon to be granddaughter-in-law, Lauren); and four great-grandchildren, Lily Ann Reichwein, Riley Ann Graham, Bryce Stinson and Madelyn Rose Reichwein.

She was predeceased by her parents and a much-loved brother, Duelle Joiner; sister-in-law, Lillian; and brother-in-law, William (Bud) Bean.

Besides her children and grandchildren, she leaves behind to cherish her memory a faithful, loving big sister, friend and traveling buddy, Kathleen Bean; beloved little brother, Bobby Joiner (Yvonne); and many special nephews, nieces and friends.

She loved the Lord and was a faithful, longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her favorite song, “I’ll Fly Away,” was one of the last things she heard the day she left us. We will miss her laughter. She loved to laugh, and she made us laugh, leaving us all with many special memories to carry with us throughout the days and years ahead. We will miss her homemade biscuits, chocolate cakes and apple pie. Most of all, we will miss her love. She loved all of us, looking beyond faults, if there were any, to the heart. Her memory will be forever loved and cherished.

Proverbs 31:10 and 28: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Her children arise up, and call her blessed.”

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home — Winter Garden. Interment followed at Winter Garden Cemetery.