Funeral services for Alta Blessing Johnson, 82, of Greenville will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2013 at First Baptist Church, Greenville. She died Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the home of her son in Greenville surrounded by family. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Greenville.
Alta was born in Steele, MO to Homer and Lillie Blessing, the 10th of 13 children. She married Gerald Johnson in 1948 and together they raised a family and farmed in Missouri. They moved to Winterville, MS in 1961 and continued to farm until Gerald’s death in 1969. At that time, Alta moved to Greenville and continued to raise her four children. Although she worked at a few office positions, her career didn’t start until she was age 59, when she accepted the position of dormitory counselor at All Saints Episcopal Boarding School in Vicksburg, MS. This was the perfect job for her since she had so much patience with kids and she adored her girls. She worked there for 15 years. Alta was a member of First Baptist Church Greenville, where she enjoyed the Seekers Sunday School class. Alta was an avid golfer over the last 30 years and prior to that enjoyed bowling and softball. She loved cooking and gardening her beautiful yard.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son, Dr. James Thomas “Tommy” Johnson. She is survived by 2 sons, Brent Johnson (Jeanie) of Greenville, MS and Tony Johnson (Bettye) of Kosciusko, MS; a daughter, Sandra Sides (Jimmy) of Greenville, MS; 6 grandchildren, Lyn Johnson, Jay Johnson, Amy Clifford, Jennifer Kitkowski, Jared Sides and Adam Johnson; 9 great grandchildren, Payson Clifford, Kyleigh Clifford, Gabe Kitkowski, Bailee Sides, Karson Sides, Jack Sides, Alexandra Johnson, Austin McGonagill and Jase McGonagill; 2 brothers, Clyde Blessing (Ramona) of Tampa, FL and Mason Blessing (Cherry) of Newbern, TN; and a sister, Johnnie Coffey of Russell Springs, KY.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral services at the church in the sanctuary. Dr. James L. Nichols, Jr. will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, Greenville, MS.