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West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Lena Novella James McGhee Johnson was born September 16, 1926, the daughter of John Daniel James and Lula Campbell James and departed this life on February 13, 2022 at the age of 95 years and 5 months.

She was united in marriage on February 12, 1945 to Gene Earl McGhee.  They were married 54 years until his death in 1999.  She married Henry Johnson on November 12, 2000. He died in 2006 survived by his children Waymon, Lois and Mary.

Lena is survived by two sons, Darrell McGhee and wife Alice and Richard McGhee and wife Fredona; one daughter, Dortheta Smith, all of West Plains, MO; nine grandchildren, Shelly Wicker and husband Dewayne of Jonesboro, AR, Tammy Bearden of Myrtle, MO, Darrell McGhee and wife Jaime of West Plains, MO, Angela Johnson and husband Bud of Moody, MO, Jason Smith and wife Tiffany of Gatewood, MO, Jake King and wife Dolly of Mountain Home, AR, Renee Reid of West Plains, MO, and Jennifer Belcher and husband Craig of West Plains, MO; ten great grandchildren, Jarrod Wicker and wife Rimby, Brittany Mullins and husband Dustin, Myles McGhee, Alexis McGhee, Joshua Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Emily King, Elizabeth King, Kelsie Martin and Hunter Reid; ten great great grandchildren,  Sadie Wicker, Allison Bridger, Aurora Mullins, Jade Mullins, Mason Mullins, Will Komm, Hattie Komm, Eli Smith, Dane Smith and Lyda Smith, plus two more due this spring; one sister-in-law, Rachel McGhee; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Daniel and Lula James; her husbands, Gene McGhee and Henry Johnson; one daughter Linda Wicker; one son-in-law, Bobby Joe Wicker; one grandson, Brian Gene McGhee; one great grandson, Jacob Bearden and one great granddaughter, Courtney Bridger; three sisters, May Holland, Mary Baker and Lola Karwot, and two brothers, Charles James and Clifford James.

Lena was a Christian and a member of Delhalf Church of Christ.

She loved to read and her cooking was enjoyed by her family.  Lena also enjoyed quilting and needlepoint and made graduation quilts for all her grandchildren.  However, most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Lena will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services for Lena Novella McGhee Johnson will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Mike Stone officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to service time at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri

Burial will be on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, in Cotton Creek Cemetery near Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.

 

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4 Comments

  1. Jackie young
    February 15, 2022 @ 5:25 pm

    So very sorry for the loss of Lena. I’ve known her my whole life, I will always cherish all the times when I was kid and going to auctions with her and gene. Prayers to the family..

  2. Amber(Cozort)Redburn
    February 15, 2022 @ 5:31 pm

    The McGhee/Johnson Families,

    Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Lena. We went to church with her at Curry Street and got to know her very well. She was a pleasure to be around and visit with plus she always was very friendly, kind, and caring. She will be missed! During this time we pray that God will comfort, encourage, strengthen, and give each of you peace. May God bless all of you.
    In Christian Love,
    Norris/Ivene Cozort
    Amber(Cozort) Redburn and Corby Redburn

  3. Todd Young
    February 15, 2022 @ 6:33 pm

    To all the Family. I’m truly sorry for Your loss. Dortheta, Eli and Dane my heart goes out to You. I know Lena truly loved all of her Family. God bless all of the Family in this time of Mourning.
    Love Todd

  4. Don Storms
    February 16, 2022 @ 6:53 am

    Gene and Lena were like family I was raised up just across road both were very kind to me as I didn’t always deserve it Darrel Richard I know the sorrow of losing your mother May GOD bless your family’s peace and faith