Geneva Evelyn Johnson
Geneva Evelyn Johnson, 95, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, MO, from Covid-19.
Geneva was born in Trail, MO, August 12, 1925, to Edward and Nola Pendergrass. Geneva married Eugene Johnson in 1948, and they were the parents of four children: Cathy Fife, Connie Craft, Crystal Smith, and John Calvin Johnson.
Geneva was one of 22 children (9 of them were half siblings). Geneva completed high school in Ava, MO, and attended teachers’ training in Springfield, MO. She taught in a one-room school before marrying. Geneva published two memoirs about growing up in her large family, the last being called “My Miracle Mom and Pop.”
Geneva was a faithful member of Sullivan Church of Christ. She exemplified the virtuous woman mentioned in Proverbs 31. She was hospitable to friends, family, and even strangers. Geneva was an accomplished cook. She published two cookbooks, featuring favorite family recipes.
In 2017, Geneva gave each of her 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren a handmade embroidered quilt. She generously dedicated herself to the well-being of her family. Even in advanced age, her first concern was for her family, not herself.
Geneva had a great sense of humor and was very quick-witted. She had the ability to make others feel special and at ease. Geneva enjoyed gardening, traveling, “Wheel of Fortune”, cornbread and potato soup and spending time with her sisters. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Geneva is survived by her husband, Gene; three daughters: Cathy Fife, Connie (Jerry) Craft, and Crystal (Tom) Smith; three sisters: Doroline Barnes, Ann Newton, and Shirley (Robert) Hart; two brothers, Dale and Larry (Sandra) Pendergrass; ten grandchildren: Elizabeth (Gary) Scott, Sarah Helton, Freddy Fife, Jon (Kes) Fife, Chris (Monica) Craft, Matt (Melody) Smith, Rebecca (Troy) Walker, Rachel (Gavin Halbert) Smith, Jesse (Katelyn) Smith, and Sam Smith; fourteen great-grandchildren: Mitchell Craft, Andrew Scott, Lane Jones, Carter Helton, Kamryn Wideman, Luke Scott, Payton Helton, Maci Smith, Maris Craft, Alyiah Smith, Casey Walker, Savannah Walker, Gavin Smith and Calvin Smith; brother-in-law, JD Thompson; and sister-in-law, Louise Pendergrass.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, John; son-in-law, Fred Fife; five sisters: Verlie Freeman, Orpha Freeman, Dorothy Abbott, Pauline Thompson, and Una Uhlman; and ten brothers: T.J. and Carl Parsley, Claude, Buck, Jack, Estel, Paul, Eli, Charlie, and Ronnie Pendergrass and an unnamed infant brother.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a private family service will be held at Bourbon Cemetery, where Geneva will be buried alongside her son.
Memorial contributions in Geneva’s memory may be made to the Bourbon Scholarship Fund in care of Mary Heywood, PO Box 747, Bourbon, MO 65441.
Friends may send online condolences to Geneva’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.