Patsy S. Johnson

10/11/1934 – 11/05/2019

Patsy Sue Johnson, 85, passed away on November 5, 2019, at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital in Arlington, TX. Patsy Sue Johnson was born on October 11, 1934, to the late Dewey and Susie Coulson of Venus, TX. She grew up and attended school in Grand Prairie, TX with her sister, JoAnn Braddock.

Patsy married her high school sweetheart, Bob Ray Johnson, on November 1, 1951. They had just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on November 1st. They lived a happy and rewarding life that was filled with many varied experiences. Patsy and Bob had five children: Brent Wayne Johnson and wife, Deborah, of Grand Prairie, TX; Susan Rayette and Mike Whisenant of Granbury, TX (both deceased); Bobby Ray Johnson, Jr. (deceased) and daughter-in-law, Vicky Black, of Grapevine, TX; Stacey D’Ann Johnson of Grand Prairie, TX; and Ward Wesley Johnson and wife, Jona, of Arlington, TX.

Patsy and Bob were also blessed with 12 grandchildren: Barrett Johnson, Bryan Johnson, Brooke Schuster, Kristi Lanigan, Rauni Whisenant, Justin Whisenant, Joshua Whisenant, Amy Johnson, Coye Dube, Adam Johnson, Micaela Johnson, and Caitlin Johnson. In addition, they were privileged to have 12 great-grandchildren: Cason Johnson, Drew Johnson, Brynnley Schuster, Bree Schuster, Zack Lanigan, Kandace Lanigan, Madisyn Whisenant, Trent Whisenant, Ethan Fuentes, Isabella Fuentes, River Dube, and Avery Johnson. Lastly, they were further blessed with four great-great-grandchildren: London Lanigan, Illiauna Lanigan, Michael Lanigan, and Jordan Lanigan.

After raising her five children, Patsy worked as a bookkeeper for Watson’s Department Store for 18 years. She enjoyed playing volleyball and softball and was a member of the original Women’s Slow Pitch Softball team that launched the women’s softball league in Grand Prairie, TX. She loved quilting, and the beautifully personalized blankets she provided for newborn babies will be fondly remembered by numerous families. Patsy and Bob loved serving with the youth ministry of Calvary Baptist Church and often spent summer vacations chaperoning these elementary and middle school aged children to summer camp programs in neighboring states. Patsy was also an active supporter of her husband, Bob, in his role as a fireman for the City of Grand Prairie and rarely missed a sporting, school, or church-related activity that any of her children or grandchildren were participating in.

Patsy more than lived up to her nickname “Iron Woman” after raising five children, assisting with the raising of multiple grandchildren, healing from several sports injuries and broken bones, surviving two battles with cancer, and struggling with the early stages of dementia the past few years. Patsy’s kind, gentle heart and survivor spirit were a blessing to anyone lucky enough to meet her – but especially to those who loved her the most.

A visitation will be held at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home in Grand Prairie, TX, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8th. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, TX at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th with burial service immediately following at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church – Kid’s Camp program.