Alice Mildred "Mama" (Walker) Johnson

Alice Mildred “Mama” Johnson, 97, of Marion, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Parkway Manor Nursing Home in Marion.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Larry Gilbert officiating. Inurnment will be in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Anne West Lindsey District Library.

Alice was born on November 27, 1927, in Burlington, Iowa, to Frank John and Mathilda Louise (Wuellner) Walker. She married Lloyd F. Johnson on September 18, 1950, in Kansas City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 16, 2013.

Alice is survived by her children, Steven Johnson of Carterville, and  Judith (Bruce) Irvine of Springfield, Virginia; grandchildren, Daniel (Amy) Johnson of Columbia, Missouri, William (Kellie) Johnson of Carterville, Ariane Irvine of Virginia, and Adam Irvine of Virginia; great-grandchildren, Gavin Johnson, Lyla Johnson, Alexandra Johnson, Charlie Johnson, and Leo Johnson; sisters, Elaine Johnson, Virginia Cook, and Phyllis Shultz; plus several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter-in-law, Debbie Johnson; sisters, Doris Westlake and Marian Palmer; and brothers, Verne, Loren, Earl, and Robert Walker.

Alice had a diverse and fulfilling career, starting as a telephone operator in the 1940s, before dedicating the majority of her working life as a medical receptionist. She was a valued member of the First United Methodist Church of Carterville and was passionate about quilting. One of her quilts was even featured in Country Woman Magazine. She was also very generous and had donated hundreds of her quilts to children’s units in numerous hospitals.

After retirement, Lloyd and Alice became snowbirds in Arizona, where they enjoyed making new friends. They loved to set sail on cruise ships and travel the world with her brothers and sisters and their families. And above everything, they loved being an integral part of their family, being their biggest cheerleaders.

Alice’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will cherish her memory forever.

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