Frances Lillian Koehn Johnson

Our dear mother and grandmother, Frances Lillian, was born to Fred P. and Sarah Smith Koehn on November 24, 1923 at Montezuma, Kansas. She passed to her eternal reward in the early morning hours of May 16, 2020 at Oakwood Manor in Brooksville, Mississippi at the age of 96 years. A graveside service was held May 17, 2020 at South Haven Mennonite Church. Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon, MS is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Our mother grew up in the time of the great depression which left a life-long impression on her. She was a very frugal person. She received her formal education in the Montezuma Public School. She gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized on October 18, 1940 at Montezuma, Kansas by Minister Jesse Johnson, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. She lived her faith in a quiet, unassuming way, not wavering from her commitment. Our mother was a lover of song and her Bible was precious to her. We appreciate her concern for our spiritual welfare and believe she offered many prayers on our behalf.

On September 24, 1944 she married our father, Willard Johnson, at the Montezuma Mennonite Church. They shared life’s joys and sorrows for nearly 68 years. Our mother was a strong supporter of her husband throughout their life together. Dad passed away on June 11, 2012, leaving a huge vacancy in Mom’s life. Together Mom and Dad often opened their home to others. We as a family have many fond memories of their warm hospitality and her delicious home cooked meals. Mom was a devoted homemaker, living her life for the good of her eight children. There are cherished memories of her sharing the assurance in her heart that all was well and she was ready to go and be with her Saviour.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the administrator of Oakwood Manor and all the nursing staff. They gave their very best in caring for our mother. We feel indebted to all of you.

Their home was blessed with 8 children; 3 sons and 5 daughters.  As her children married, Mother accepted each of their spouses without reserve.

Left to cherish her memories are Joyce Ashworth, Brooksville, MS, Joe and wife Janice, Macon, MS,  Carolyn and husband, Galen Nichols, Macon, MS, Camilla Smith, Mayfield, KY, David and wife, Brenda, Macon, MS, Susan and husband, Stephen Kliewer, Isabella, OK, Richard and wife, Janette, Brooksville, MS, Lori and husband Earl Koehn, Brooksville, MS. Thirty grandchildren and 71 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband, 1 son-in-law, 1 granddaughter, 4 sisters and 1 brother.