Zionsville
Dorothea Jean Hunter Johnson, 93, died on January 15, 2016, at Hoosier Village in Zionsville, Indiana. She was a longtime resident of Columbus, Indiana, where she was born on June 12, 1922, to Abner J. and Ruth (Newsom) Hunter. Dorothea married Donald Maurice Johnson on June 30, 1947.
She is survived by daughter, Beverly Ann Lafferty (Joseph) of Manteo, North Carolina; son, Dr. Gregory Hunter Johnson (Barbara) of Carmel; and daughter, Jan Elizabeth Johnson Brockley (Jack) of Zionsville, as well as 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren (with another on the way). She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and two great-grandchildren.
Her life was a testimony to her faith and love for her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a member of First Christian Church in Columbus from “cradle roll” to the end of her life. Her family will always remember her loving nature, exemplified by the devoted care she bestowed upon her husband at his bedside through the final six years of his life. She was an avid gardener (especially roses) and bird watcher. She took great pride in her ancestors’ role in helping to settle Bartholomew County. Her farm has been in the family since 1843.
Dorothea was a graduate of Columbus High School and was the Class of 1940 treasurer. She graduated from Indiana University (both bachelor’s and master’s degrees), where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. An interest in flying lessons while she was attending classes in Colorado resulted in a “cease all extracurricular flying activities” telegram from her father.
Upon graduation, she taught at Columbus High School. Her educational career continued in the faculties and administrative staffs at Jefferson Elementary, Wilson Junior High and Central Junior High School, where she retired in 1983 as dean of girls.
Among her community activities, she was a third-generation member of The Country Club, a literary society of which her grandmothers, Emma Hunter and Emma Newsom, were charter members. She also held membership in the Antique Club, Bartholomew County Historical Society and the Loyal Couples Sunday School class at First Christian. Following the death of her husband, she helped found the Abiding Friends Ministry at First Christian to help other people deal with grief.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hathaway-Myers Chapel of Columbus. The Rev. Boyd Kuester will conduct services at 12 noon on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at First Christian Church, 531 Fifth Street, Columbus, Indiana. Visitation will be at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana or First Christian Church of Columbus.
Online condolences may be sent to Dorothea’s family at www.hathaway-myers.com.
