Mildred Johnson

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Mildred Irene Bennett Johnson, 88, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, April 16, 2006, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

Mrs. Johnson, the daughter of the late Oliver and Della Prowell Bennett, was born Nov. 16, 1917, in the Hendrickson community of Butler County.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church and a 60-year member of the Eastern Star.

Beginning her teaching career in the rural Butler County schools, Mrs. Johnson retired after 38 years of teaching. She taught in the Poplar Bluff schools as well as the Berkeley County schools.

Survivors include a daughter, Patricia G. Tilley and husband James of Cape Girardeau; a son, Mike Johnson and wife Linda, of West Plains, Mo.; six grandchildren, Michael Johnson Jr. and wife Elise, Amanda Aikolala and husband Adajuwon, Justin and Natasha Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Lauri Swallow and Kyle Swallow; five great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Alexander Johnson, Kaden and Feyi Aikolala, and Taylor Johnson.

In addition to her parents, a brother, Medford Bennett, preceded Mrs. Johnson in death.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.

The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel, with the Rev. Eric Snyder officiating. Burial will be in City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Memorials may be made to Southeast Hospice, 760 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63703.