Willie Mary Johnson Stephens

Willie Mary Johnson Stephens, age 69, of La Grande, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at the Grande Ronde Hospital.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Union Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 9:00 until 12:00 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Willie was born on July 31, 1933, the daughter of William David and Susie (Walker) Clark in Stevenson, Alabama. In 1953 she married Riley Johnson in Rosville, Georgia and they moved to La Grande. He preceded her in death in 1975. In 1977 she moved to Aloha and later to Hillsboro before returning to La Grande in 1988. Willie worked as a nurse's aide for various care centers and hospitals.

Willie will be remembered as a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She was known as "Grandma Red" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren because of her love of the color red. She enjoyed watching television, especially old western movies.

Survivors include her children, Lena Jo Thompson of La Grande, Sallie Bonner of Milwaukie, Ric Johnson of Gresham, William Johnson of La Grande, Ernest Johnson of Kenai, Alaska, Delbert Johnson of Portland and Raymond Johnson of Beaverton; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and one on the way; cousin J.T. of Alabama and other relatives and friends. An infant son, James David Johnson and a sister preceded her in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Willie to the GRH Home Care/Hospice, PO Box 3290, La Grande, Oregon 97850.