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Helen Johnson Obituary
October 3, 2025
A new star is brightly shining in the Heavens with the passing of Helen Frances "Fran" Saunders Johnson on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the age of 94.
She was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., (Community of Museville) to James Clyde and Fannie Elizabeth Adkins Gibson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Arthur J. Johnson Jr.; brothers, Nelson Berthel and Robert Lee of Callands, Va.; sister, Betty Evelyn Dail of Virginia Beach, Va.; and nieces, Carolyn and Wanda Gail Gibson of Callands, Va., and Kristen Swanson Gibson Cox of Danville, Va.
Surviving to cherish her memory is a daughter, Tina Marie Saunders Lowe (Tony) of Glenwood, Md.; son, Jesse C. "Jay" Saunders Jr. (Becky) of Scruggs, Va.; grandson, Jessee C. Saunders III (Ashley); a great-grandson, Jesse C. Saunders IV of Scruggs, Va.; a brother, Gerald Alden Gibson of Danville, Va.; nieces, Michelle Gamboni (Dale) of Chesapeake, Va., and Nicole Walker (Trey); and nephew, Eric Gamboni of Chesapeake, Va.; children by marriage, Donald P. Johnson (Shasta); and granddaughter, Catherine Elizabeth Johnson of Mableton, Ga.
She was a member of Melrose Baptist Church. She was also a member of The Order of The Eastern Star and was very proud of her 62 plus years membership in the Order and local chapters. They were her extended family. She was a very active member and was appointed Grand Ruth in 1998-1999. She and her husband were very active members, traveling over the states for special events and meetings.
Thank you to special neighbors for their care and attention during her time alone. The family extends a special thank you to Carilion Hospice – Franklin County for their care.
A celebration of life will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Oakey's East Chapel. The family will receive visitors two hours before the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.
Oakey's Funeral Service - East Chapel
Roanoke, VA (540) 977-3909
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