Helen Johnson's Obituary
Helen Lorene Johnson, daughter of Walter Jackson “Pete” and Susan Caroline Wilson Moore, was born September 12, 1923, near Phillipsburg, Missouri. She departed this life Tuesday, May 19, 2009, in Christian Northeast Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of eighty-five years, eight months, and seven days. In 1963, in Buffalo, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Franklin Johnson, who passed away on June 11, 1985. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ralph Thomson, and Anthony Pettit; a daughter, Ann Rogers; a son, Donald Pettit; two grandchildren; and three sisters, Nettie Gaylord, Gladys Hicks, and Anna Owens. Helen is survived by a daughter, Lorene Surpine, of Hayward, California; two sons, Lee Thomson, of Redwood City, California, and Richard Pettit, of Florissant, Missouri; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in the Phillipsburg and Brush Creek, Missouri area. In 1941, she moved to Buffalo, Missouri, where she made her home for a few years. In 1945, she moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and then to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1951. Throughout her life, in addition to being a devoted homemaker to her family, Helen also worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for several different businesses. Helen was a member of the Church of Christ in St. Louis, Missouri. In her spare time she enjoyed doing genealogical studies, sewing, tatting and quilting. She also liked spending time with her family and hosting Christmas gatherings. She was a strong willed lady who stood by her convictions. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday May 26, 2009 at Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon. Burial will be in Lonesome Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm until time of service under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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