Hattie Marie Johnson

Hattie Marie Johnson, formerly of Ironton, Missouri, passed away January 25, 2022, in Pilot Knob, Missouri, at the age of 80 years. She was born January 2, 1942 in Glover, Missouri, the daughter of the late Ralph and Alice (Frans) Howard. After graduating high school, Hattie moved to Wyoming and gave birth to three children: Wesley Alan, Kevin Eugene, and Alice Leona. In the late 1960s, Hattie returned to Missouri and moved to Arcadia Valley to purchase and open a restaurant: The Shady Pines. Hattie worked hard to grow the restaurant to a successful business, and this is where she met Wallace “Wally” Johnson. The two began dating and were later united in marriage on June 16, 1973. Hattie was always looking for a challenge and had a variety of careers throughout her life. After selling her restaurant, she decided to earn a teaching degree from Southeast Missouri State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (with an emphasis in history) and a Master of Arts in English. She taught both English and social studies at Arcadia Valley School District for many years. Ready to embark upon a new journey, Hattie decided to attend flight attendant school and began working for TWA. As a flight attendant, Hattie traveled the world and told stories of her journeys meeting celebrities, learning about new cultures, and visiting places of historical importance. Hattie ended her career journey as a guard for the Missouri Department of Corrections, and she finally retired in 2006. Hattie was a creative person who showcased her talents for many to see. From her intricately landscaped flower beds and brightly lit Christmas decorations to her beautifully painted pottery and detailed embroidery, she took pride in her work. In her spare time, she enjoyed completing crossword puzzles, reading novels, decorating cakes, golfing, and bowling. She also always enjoyed playing a good board game, especially when she had the opportunity to stomp her family members in Scrabble. During her time in Arcadia Valley, Hattie and her husband Wally were actively involved with the community and were both members of the Arcadia Valley Country Club and the Arcadia Valley Elk’s Lodge. Hattie was preceded in death by beloved daughter Alice, her dear husband Wally, her special friend Glenwood, her two brothers Buster and Tommy, and her sisters Fran and Norma. Hattie is survived by her sons Wes and Kevin, her daughters-in- law Shelly and Cheryl, her grandchildren Jason, Kaci, and Tristan, bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her sister Mary. Hattie was a strong, independent woman who will be remembered for her stylish fashion, her headstrong opinions, her fearless spirit, and her unconditional love for her family. A Memorial Visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, January 31 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Bryson Funeral Home Chapel with a private family service to immediately follow. Memorials may be made to Greater St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.