Annette Darlene Johnson

Annette "Darlene" Johnson, age 87, of Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 in Shawnee, Oklahoma surrounded by her family.

Darlene was born in Clarita, Oklahoma on October 18, 1937 on a farm where her grandmother, Ida Olive Lee (Mama) and her grandfather, Marion Lee (Papa) lived. She was the daughter of Clara Belle (Lee) Cloninger. She was raised in Clarita and graduated from high school in 1955 of a class of 2. Darlene had a strong work ethic and as early as 4 years old was in the fields helping to pick cotton. Darlene married the love of her life, Donald R. Johnson on September 24, 1955, in Coalgate, Oklahoma. They celebrated 69 years of marriage this past September. They raised four beloved children which were the delight of Darlene's world until she met her grandchildren. Through the years, she worked at Sears, Little People's Daycare, OBU registrar's office and assisted with voter registration. As a skilled seamstress, Darlene made numerous costumes for Halloween and local stage productions. She also enjoyed tole painting, gardening, arranging flowers, reading, word games and board games. Alongside her husband, Darlene was an avid traveler. They visited all 50 states and many corners of the world including Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, China, Canada, the Netherlands, and many countries within Europe.

She regularly attended all of her grandchildren's sporting events and other extracurricular activities. She especially enjoyed basketball games. The sporting events they performed in could almost always find "MeMaw" in the crowd, or watching online if unable to attend in person. In fact, Darlene met her husband Donald, in 1953 after playing in a high school basketball game. After high school basketball, she played in a woman's league in her 30's.

Darlene was strong in her faith and had a deep devotion to praying her Rosary. She was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in McLoud, Oklahoma. There she served as a member of the Alter Society, taught catechisms and sewed vestments for the priest and servers.

The ultimate highlights of Darlene's life were her cherished family members. It was a priority to be involved in their lives. The time she spent raising her children and grandchildren who knew her as "MeMaw" were memories of which Darlene was so fond of. She had a Christmas gift for everyone, of every generation, in her large extended family each year for decades. This was an endeavor she spent her entire year on contemplating, shopping for, and wrapping every gift with care. She had a quiet way of engaging everyone and had a knack for making those new to the family feel welcomed.

Survivors include her husband Donald R. Johnson, children: Debbie Campbell and husband Richard of Bethel Acres, Donna Jenkins and husband Jerry of Choctaw, DeAnn Farris and husband Jimmy of Bethel Acres, Douglas Johnson and partner MaryAnn Ellis of Shawnee, grandchildren Rebecca Campbell, Megan Stone and husband Jacob, Kevin Campbell and wife Cortney, Patrick Campbell and wife Rochelle, Bradley Jenkins and wife Liana Montecinos, Cory Jenkins and wife Jessica, Eric Jenkins, Amy Jenkins and husband Jake Yandell, Mandi Gascón and husband Adrian, and Keith Johnson and wife Ashley, 18 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren as well as other beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her mom Clara Belle Cloninger and her sister Christine Slyter.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Walker Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb 5th, from 8am-7pm and Thursday, Feb 6th, from 8am to 4pm. Darlene's family will be present to greet friends from 5-7 pm on Wednesday. A Rosary and Wake service will be held at 6pm on Thursday, Feb 6th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 122 S. 9th Street, McLoud, Oklahoma. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm on Friday, Feb 7, 2025, at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Deva Undralla officiating. Following the Mass, Darlene will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.

Darlene may be remembered with a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Altar Society, 122 S. 9th St., McLoud, Oklahoma 74851.