Source: http://www.ruebelfuneralhome.com/obituaryindividual.php?id=1118

Helen Porter Johnson

Helen Porter Johnson, 89, retired public school teacher, was released from years of suffering from Alzheimer's into the hands of Jesus on Friday, October 14. She was born December 22, 1921 in Harrell, AR to Bertha Hines and Walter Porter. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband of almost 67 years, Robert W. Johnson, and all three of her sisters. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family includes daughter Becky Johnson Kossover (Jerry) of Little Rock, son Robert W. “Bob” Johnson (Kathy) of Powder Springs, GA and son Keith Johnson (Debbie) of Collierville, TN. Surviving grandchildren include Mark (Andrea) Johnson and four daughters of Memphis, TN; Angela (Todd) Dodge and two sons of Colorado Springs, CO; Kara (Jeremy) Myers and daughter and son and Russ (Cathi) Johnson and two sons all of Marietta, GA; Ashley Johnson of Nashville, TN; and Erin (Adam) Anglin of Denver, CO.

Helen went from a farm girl to being an army wife, a farmer's wife and ultimately became the consummate Methodist pastor's wife in 1952. During that time, she and Robert lived in Plummerville, Melbourne, Murfreesboro, Little Rock, Salem, Benton, Stamps, Pine Bluff, Marysville, Springhill and Bearden. She completed her degree at then Monticello A&M and taught 28 years in numerous Arkansas schools.

Known as mom, grandmommy and greatmom, Helen was always smiling and lovingly welcomed everyone into their home for food and fellowship. After retirement, Robert and Helen built a home near Hampton, AR. They spent 17 happy years there before moving to Little Rock and a retirement center in 1999. Soon after, Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and life began to change. Though committed to taking care of her, Robert predeceased her in February 2010. She has remained smiling and sweet but her family celebrates her reunion with Robert and her loving God whom she faithfully served. The family especially thanks the staff at Hospice Home Care for making her last months special.

A general visitation, with family from 3-4:30 p.m., will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., on Thursday, October 20. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday October 21 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Mississippi and Evergreen followed by a graveside service at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Officiating will be Trinity pastor, Rev. Betsy Snyder.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Robert and Helen Johnson Endowment Fund at the Methodist Children's Home, the original component of Methodist Family Health on Aldersgate Road, PO Box 56050, Little Rock, AR 72215. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.