Kathleen Norma Johnson

On March 20th, Cody's sweet Grandma Johnson went to be with the Lord. After 90 wonderful years, we celebrated her life just the way she would want us to with a weekend full of family fun. Grandma Johnson was the true definition of a Proverbs 31 woman, and I am so thankful to have been able to know her for the last 9 years. She was a blessing to so many people, and Cody and I reflect daily on the impact and legacy that she left that we are so proud to be a part of. Below is her obituary, which I want to be able to look back on in future years.

Kathleen Norma Johnson, 89, went to greet our Lord on Friday, March 20, 2015. Katy, as she was known by her family and friends, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Katy was born March 27, 1925 in Harlingen, Texas to Howard and Mary Dodson. She grew up in Santa Rosa, Texas where she graduated from high school, and then continued her education with a degree in home economics from Texas A&I University.

Because Katy grew up on a farm during the Depression, she was prepared for both the joys and difficulties of being a farm wife after marrying the love of her life, Alden, her husband of 67 years. After teaching school for a few years at Lyford, she became a stay at home mom.

Katy was always active in the Lyford community. She was active in the Lyford Woman’s Club, the Lyford PTA board, the Lyford Methodist Women association, the Texas A&M Mothers Club, the Cotillion Board and most recently she and Alden were named Don and Dona of the Algodon Club.

Katy’s faith in God was strong and she served in the Lyford Methodist Church for over 60 years. She helped instill Christian values and character in her children and grandchildren who have all accepted Jesus as Lord and are faithfully serving in their local church.

Katy enjoyed traveling, reading, fishing, crossword puzzles, collecting nativity scenes, gardening, cooking and watching the cooking channel. Her family honored her by compiling a recipe book called Fiddlesticks whose copies have been enjoyed by family and friends. Even until her mid 80’s, her husband, sons, son-in-law and any other hungry soul who happened to show up around lunch time were blessed by her wonderful meals.

In retirement, she and Alden made wonderful memories with their children and grandchildren at South Padre Island 6 months out of the year where they also faithfully attended the Chapel by the Sea.

Her greatest legacy was her dedication to serve others and show her children and grandchildren what a Proverbs 31 woman really was all about.

Katy is survived by her husband, Alden, of Sebastian, Texas, her children: Richard (Cheryl) Johnson of Harlingen, Ann Jud (Mark) of Harlingen, Wayne Johnson (Susan) of Austin, Lynn Johnson (Tami) of Harlingen and Sherry Johnson of Katy, Texas She is also survived by one brother Harlan Dodson (June) of Center Point, Texas, 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Special thanks go to Lisa and Kenny Salazar of the Spear Home and their loving caregivers, the Hospice Staff, Mary Cavazos and Cindy De la Rosa.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, March 27th at 3:00 pm, at Christian Fellowship Church, 901 N. Loop 499 in Harlingen under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home in Raymondville.