Maxine Wills Johnson

Loretta ""Maxine"" Johnson, age 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 14, 2021. Maxine was a life- long resident of Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Jefferson County High School (Tarrant, AL) in 1947. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel Wills, her husband of 65 years, Forrest L. Johnson, her brothers, Leonard L. Wills and Hubert (Ben) R. Wills, daughter-in-law, Margaret Jo Johnson, and great grandson, Sawyer Stephens.

Maxine is survived by her brother, Bobby R. Wills (Betty Sue), 3 children; Connie Lynn Cary (Gene), Susan Gail Latta (Randy) and Jess Alan Johnson (Margaret); 7 grandchildren - Melea Stephens (Roderick), Jona Simmons, Britney Bradford (Mitch), Lara Hathcox (Garrett), Corrie Hanns (Charlie), Alana McCall (Jake) and Shari Johnson and 13 great grandchildren - Isodora Stephens, Savannah Simmons, Shiloh Simmons, Layton Bradford, Caroline Hathcox, Peirson Hathcox, Ellie McCall, Samuel McCall, Elisa McCall, Seth McCall, Shawn McCall, Cailyn Hanns, and Carly Hanns.

Maxine was born August 16, 1929 and grew up in the Tarrant Community. After marriage, Maxine and Forrest made Gardendale, Alabama their home, residing some 65 years in that community. They built lifelong and beautiful friendships with many fellow members of Gardendale First Baptist Church.

Maxine taught a teen girls Sunday School class and shared not only the love of her Savior but also taught them about the finer aspects of being a young lady. Maxine had a tremendous impact on the lives of many young people, her own children, and grandchildren. She was passionate about everyone having a relationship with the Lord and was never timid about asking a stranger if they knew Jesus.

Maxine worked many years for General Motors Corporate in Homewood, Alabama as an Executive Assistant. She chose to leave the position to become a full-time homemaker, for her husband and children. Later in life she obtained her real estate license and was an agent for J.H. Berry Company for many years. To her last days, Maxine's life revolved around family and friends. She had a servant's heart, working tirelessly and joyfully for those who needed assistance always carrying herself with class and dignity. Maxine is affectionately known to everyone as ""Nana"" and was loved greatly by her large family and many friends having a positive impact on everyone she met.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 18th, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel on Decatur Highway in Gardendale, Alabama. (205) 608-0003.

A private graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Pastor Jake McCall will preside.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Johnson family.