Lydia Johnson

Lydia Hardage Johnson entered into rest on November 25, 2024, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after a long battle with diabetes and chronic vertebrae disorder. Lydia was born in Opp, Alabama on July 4, 1954, to John and Charlotte Hardage, second of three daughters. She was a graduate of Erwin High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Lydia, following her desire and her natural gift to help others, attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Texas in Austin. She married the love of her life, Jerome Johnson, affectionately called Jay, in 1974 and moved to Houston, Texas. They later built a home on Lake Austin where they lived and resided for 30 plus years.

Lydia is survived by Jerome Johnson, her husband of fifty years, her younger sister Gail Butcher (Tom) of Dadeville, Alabama, nephew and godson Noah Larsen, niece Hope Larsen (Francis), nephews Joshua Aaron Fields Butcher (Danielle), Brian Butcher (Shona), and Blake Butcher (Laure); Also survived by her brother-in-law David Larsen and stepdaughter Jeree’ Nelson (Bill). Lydia is preceded in death by her older sister Sylvia Larsen (David), her parents John and Charlotte Hardage, and aunts Janie Owens (Robert) and Annie Montgomery (Wallace) and stepsons Jerome, Jr. and Mark.

Jay had great admiration for her superior intellect, a tribute to her wonderful and brilliant mother and for her beautiful auburn hair. Lydia received many accolades as a Registered Nurse for her devoted work with seriously ill patients. She also studied and excelled in wound care from M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. In high school Lydia was highly ranked statewide in the 220-yard sprint. She was blessed with an exceptional memory for detail and in-depth medical knowledge, which she used with great skill in practicing her profession.

Lydia had many friends in Birmingham including her very close friend Deborah Black, a Christian and fine pharmacist who Lydia trusted with information concerning the latest medications for diabetes. Lydia also loved to travel, Nantucket, Massachusetts being her favorite and she and Jay were blessed to visit

many times. Jay’s career in data processing opened opportunities to work in different parts of the country where they were able to take side trips and see some amazing sites. One of her many avocations was the study of the American Civil War, and being from the South, they were able to visit some historical

battle sites. She had a great love for animals, especially her loyal dog, Arf. Her heart was very tender for animals and for the indigent.

Lydia, fondly known as Liddy by her sisters, will be greatly missed by her husband, family and friends.

Sunrise 1954 Sunset 2024