Martha O. Johnson

Martha Ola Murff-Johnson was born June 11, 1922, in Kosciusko, Mississippi to the union of Ernest S. and Georgia Mae Williams-Murff and was the tenth of fourteen children. Martha was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, Eddie Cleo Sr., one son, Eddie Jr., twelve siblings consisting of eight girls and four boys, and four grandchildren. In 1940, she married Eddie “Cleo” Johnson of Tiptonville, Tennessee. The two were united in holy matrimony in the State of Tennessee where all seven of their children were born. Martha and Cleo resided in Tennessee for many years before moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1956, as did many who were seeking better opportunities for their families. After arriving in Phoenix, Martha and her family settled into their new community.

Martha was a loving and caring person. She loved her family and welcomed visitors near and far. She was a great cook and always offered a meal to anyone

But, you had to stay at least four hours. She never wanted her guests to leave and when you got ready to leave she would ask you “what’s your hurry” even after the four hour mark was reached. She enjoyed being around her family and close friends. Martha was very fashionable and prided herself on being well-groomed at all times. She was a lady with class and style. It was very rare that you saw her wearing anything less than a beautiful dress or a pair of dress pants. If you lived on Mobile Lane, it was not uncommon for you to see her watering her lawn or washing down her carport or going on her routine block walks through the neighborhood in a pair of slacks. She liked to walk for exercise and occasionally use the treadmill or walk the track at the KROC center; all in her dress slacks and heels. She was a very neat woman and always kept an immaculate home. She was very witty and kept you laughing. Even in her older years she knew how to brighten up a room with her wittiness and sense of humor. Martha was an excellent city and cross-country driver. She continued to drive well into her 80s. In fact, at the age of 88, the MVD renewed her driver’s license for an additional 5 years. Her driver’s license expired this year. In the earlier years, she and Cleo would regularly hit the highway traveling as far east as Ohio and south to Tennessee and Mississippi to visit family. She enjoyed being around her family and went to great lengths to visit them as often as she could. Martha devoted her entire life to her children and grandchildren. To them she was known as mom, mommy, and grandma. The memories of her will be forever dear to our hearts. She loved us all and we loved her right back. Martha is survived by one sister Bertha Hayes (Percy) of St. Louis, MO and children: Emma Johnson-Payne (Reginald) of Dayton, OH, Martha Johnson-Wingo of San Antonio, TX, Dorothy Johnson-Lotson of Phoenix, AZ, Seleta Johnson-Metoyer (John) of San Antonio, TX, Charles Johnson (Mabel) of San Antonio, TX, and Calvin Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, twenty-six grandchildren, forty-eight great-grandchildren, and thirty-three great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.