Jimmie Kay Johnson

Jimmie Kay Johnson, known to her loved ones as Kay, Mom, Momma, Nana, and Nannie, passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 90 in her hometown of Junction, Texas. Born June 13, 1934, in Junction, above her maternal grandfather’s (Ernest and Zora Miller) barbershop.

Her parents were James Russell Johnson (posthumously) and Melba Burt Johnson. Kay was a proud descendant of multiple pioneer Kimble County families. She raised her children with stories of the Frederick Louis Bannowsky family, Dr. James Warren Burt family, James Alfred Browning family, and the John Alexander Miller family. She spent time in the summer with her paternal grandparents Wylie Nathan Johnson and Bertie Raye Russell Johnson in Menard playing with her multitude of Johnson cousins. While in Junction, Kay’s time was spent playing with her sister, Jan and her Maddux cousins, Larry and Mary (Williams). The Llano River figured largely in Kay’s life. She spent hours camping and swimming there. Those who shared river time with Kay will remember her bacon, egg, potato, one pot meal with campfire boiled coffee. Kay would share stories of monkey bites and the excitement of children when Eskimo Pies (ice cream) returned to town after WWII. Kay’s love of Junction and Kimble County shone in her magical tales.

Kay taught her children to see the creatures in clouds and how to swim. She modeled hospitality. Kay was known to feed hungry humans and animals. She kept a hot pot of coffee and welcomed everyone to share it. Her children knew that she would always throw another bean in the pot and make company gravy to feed any extra mouths that would be around at mealtime. One of her favorite compliments was “Ms. Kay I loved your spaghetti and I don’t even like spaghetti”.

Kay loved and prayed for everyone that crossed her path. She shared herself and what she had. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. She shared love and laughter and gave her children a good sense of the ridiculous.

Kay was preceded in death by her father, James R. Johnson; her beloved stepfather, J. D. Sheppard; her mother, Melba Johnson Sheppard; her sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Jim Hickman; her first born son, Michael Sheppard Soward; her son-in-law, Howard Fischer; as well as many more family and friends.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Marta Fischer; grandsons, James Daniel Fischer/Kristy Fischer, and Christopher Fischer/Annie Fischer and great-granddaughters Vivianne and Estella Fischer. She is survived by her son, Matthew Thomas Soward/Jody Dawn and grandson, Mason Soward and granddaughter Rebekah Dawn. Kay is also survived by son, Mark Warren Soward/Sally Soward, granddaughter, Amanda Montoya/Emmanuel Dominguez, granddaughter, Lindsay Dinh/Phu Ding Dinh, grandson, Cody Johnson/Gini Rogers and great-grandchildren, Isabella Dominguez, Eliza, Samuel, Sofia and Ethan Dinh. She is survived by her son, Luke Russell Laramore/Kimberly Laramore, granddaughters, Caroline Ashley Laramore, Allison Brown and Elizabeth Brown and great-grandson, Dean Campbell. Kay is also survived by her son, Phillip James Laramore and grandson, Gideon Michael Laramore. Kay lived a full and vibrant life. She walked in love and laughter. She shared and she cared and she made a difference. The world is better because she lived and she continues to live.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kimble County Library or Kimble County Museum.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076