Helen Irene Watson Johnson

Mrs. Helen Irene Watson Johnson, 88, of the Pine Ridge community, passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday morning, May 23, 2016 in her home. Helen was born on October 3, 1927 in Surry County to the late Vestal Gray and Rassie Southern Watson. She graduated with the class of 1945 from Beulah High School where she was a star basketball player. On August 17, 1946, she married the late James Monroe Johnson, and together they built the Johnson family farm that is still in operation today. Helen was very active in her community as a charter member of the Pine Ridge VFD ladies Auxiliary, Beulah Extension Homemakers, and volunteered at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was an avid gardener and world traveler, visiting 5 continents, numerous countries and nearly all 50 states with many stories to share about her adventures. She is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, Mark and Paula Johnson and Walter Johnson, all of Mt. Airy; grandchildren and spouses, James and Lisa Johnson & Jeremy and Audra Johnson of Mt. Airy, Joannah and Gil Branch of Dobson, and Jessica Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; her great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Steven, Lauren, Jasmine, Leia, Emerson, Roe and Aria; two sisters, Doris Boone of Cheyenne, WY and Frances Valentine of Spring Lake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Monroe Johnson, son, William E. Johnson, granddaughter, Monica Johnson, and brother, Arnold Watson. The family would like to express their appreciation to Mountain Valley Hospice and a very special thank you to Shirley Golding, Juanita East and Deborah Gentry for their love and care. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Alton Bledsoe and the Rev, Tony Holder officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday night from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy. Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

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