Bernice Maxine (Williams) Johnson, 78, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (June 24, 2014) at her home.

The daughter of Ruben Marrow and Edna June (Ferrell) Williams, she was born April 3, 1936 in Green Castle, Missouri. On March 6, 1952 in Green Castle, Missouri, Bernice was united in marriage to Ellis Duane Johnson who preceded her in death July 25, 1991.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three daughters, Bernita Johnson, Cindy Rummerfield and Lynice Newton; five brothers, Franklin, Leland, Herman, Fred and Thomas Williams; four sisters, Eva Ellsworth, Rosine Brookbank, Frances Williams and Margaret Thomas; one grandson, Jason Alexander and one son-in-law, Raymond Newton.

Bernice is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Eldon and Twila Johnson and Dennis and Jenna Johnson all of Kirksville, MO; one sister, June Conner of Novinger, MO; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernice resided most of her life in Adair County. She worked for years at area nursing homes and at Laughlin Hospital where she received her CNA pin at the former KOH Hospital. She worked for over forty years in the field of nursing until retiring due to ill health.

She loved gardening, fishing and the great outdoors and will be remembered as a loving and friendly person who loved her family. She will be sadly missed.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday (June 27, 2014) at the Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle, with Pastor Ralph Wheeler officiating.

Family will receive friends for one hour before the graveside service on Friday (June 27, 2014) in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Eldon Johnson, Dennis Johnson, Adam Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Rex Conner and Clarence Conner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bernice Johnson Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.