Antoinette Johnson

BENTON, Mo. -- Antoinette Marie Johnson, 70, of Benton passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at her home.

She was born Dec. 5, 1940, in Chicago, to Anthony and Margaret Thomas Fromandi. She and David F. Johnson were married in Chicago. He preceded her in 1999.

Antoinette was a lover of cooking and at a young age opened Johnson's Cafe in Bald Knob, Ill. After the cafe she worked as a cook at Anna-Jonesboro Hospital and helped mentally challenged children. Living on the river was one of her great loves, and she worked for the Ingram Barge Line 16 years before retiring.

Survivors include four daughters, Laurie (Bill) Ahart of Benton, Lydia Smith of Perryville, Angela (David) Lehman of Cypress, Ill., Carla (Gary) Kincade of Old Appleton; three sons, John Johnson of Patton, Mo., Bill Johnson, Pete Johnson; a sister, Margaret Dimford of Cape Girardeau; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Dale Huff officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.