Helen Ruth Johnson

In Loving Memory of Helen Ruth Johnson

VISITATION SERVICE:
🕜 Friday, August 15, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 PM
📍 M&H Memorial Chapel
411 S. Walnut St. | Hope, AR

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:
🕜 Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM
📍 Floyd T. Jeans C.M.E. Church
922 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive | Tollette, AR

Final Resting Place – Crofton Cemetery | Tollette, AR

*A Life Well Lived: The Story of Helen Ruth Johnson*

Helen Ruth Johnson was born on October 23, 1946, in Nashville, Arkansas, to the late Willie and Beulah Walton. Affectionately known as “Nanny” by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and daycare kids, Helen graduated from Howard County Training School with the Class of 1964 in Tollette, AR. She was a true “spitfire” and a classy lady to her core. Even when walking became a challenge, she still insisted on her stilettos. “These are not church shoes—why are my shoes so flat?” she would say, reminding us all that “grace and glamour are a state of mind.”

A lifelong woman of God, Helen was a faithful member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church from her childhood under the leadership of William H. Mitchell, all the way to the current pastor, Maurice Henry Sr., whom she deeply cherished. Her life was her ministry, and she lived it with joy, compassion, and an unshakable faith.

After retiring from Poulan in 2010, Helen’s servant’s heart led her right back into her community. She became an entrepreneur and opened Precious Memories Childcare in Tollette, AR—a loving, nurturing place that, for many years, was the only official childcare in town. From 2010 to 2017, countless children and families experienced her care, wisdom, and gentle discipline. She had a way of “getting you together” with love—whether you were 2 or 62—and then inviting you, “Come on and go to Corinth Church with me.”

Helen R. Johnson, age 78, of Mineral Springs, Arkansas, transitioned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at her residence with loving family by her side. May she rest in peace.

Helen often reminded us, “You know where you been, but you don’t know where you’re going.” She taught us to live for today, be present in the moment, and trust God with the rest. Her wisdom, laughter, and love will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, ex-husband, and her beloved daughter, Stacie Johnson.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory two children: Terry Johnson (Sandra) of Lancaster, TX, and Cheryl Williams of Tollette, AR; six grandchildren: Tiffany Williams, Courtney Hamilton, Cyril Rashad Williams, Terrance “TJ” Johnson, Princeton Johnson, and Shamachia Stuard; five great-grandchildren: Aubri Williams, Braelyn Williams, Aniya Williams, Serenity Johnson, and Mosiah Johnson; one bonus daughter, Michelle Barker; and a special sister-in-law she loved as her own sister, Katie Alexander. She is also survived by three sisters: Joann Walker, Joyce Thomas (Gilbert), and Marie Langston; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special relationships that must be mentioned include Larry Batson, Florine Crudup, and Jatorian Smalley, each of whom held a special place in her heart.