Emma Pauline Johnson

February 5, 1925 - September 14, 2020

Emma Pauline Johnson, proudly 95 years old passed away at 1:55 PM, September 14, 2020, at Parkway Manor in Marion, Illinois. Pauline was born on February 5, 1925 to Elizabeth and Carson Hall in Carmi, Illinois. Pauline had 2 sisters, and 6 brothers that she loved dearly. Those who sadly preceded her in death were her parents, and siblings: Beatrice (Sy) Myers, Lorene (Jim) Wagneck, Bruce (Stella) Hall, Hassel Hall, Herman (Fern) Hall, George Hall, and Mark Hall. The love of her life, Dr. John A Legier of Carmi, Illinois, also preceded her in passing as did her beloved stepson Dr. Jack Legier and his wife Jane, as well as grandson John Bruce Elliott. Pauline lived her childhood and early adult years in Carmi IL. She later moved to Evansville, IN, and then to Marion, IL where she would reside for 40 years. Pauline was a homemaker for many years, and later worked as a receptionist in the hotel industry, finally serving as an in-home caregiver, which she greatly enjoyed. She also was a volunteer for DCFS in Marion, IL. as a receptionist, and found great reward in her time there. She served on the Senior Citizen Center Board in Marion IL. and was passionate about the services they provided to people, and the compassion and friendship that the center created for its patrons. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Carmi. Pauline had a great faith and drew great strength from both that and her love of our heavenly father. Pauline loved life. She lived a rich, full life, and had hoped to reach 100 years of age. She was an avid reader. She loved playing cards and Bingo at the senior citizen center in Marion with her friends, and social time there. She enjoyed painting, crocheting and listening to music, and was a joyful spectator of golf, both on television and with her grandson Dane. She also enjoyed a good Hallmark movie. She loved animals and appreciated the beauty of nature. Most of all she loved her family. Her loving daughter Carol, son in law Don, and grand and great grandchildren were her joy. Pauline was a kind, strong, and smart lady. She had a fiercely independent spirit and a smile that could warm your heart. She shared that smile, beautiful spirit, and graciousness freely with others along with countless pearls of wisdom. She inspired us to do our best whether a task was great or small, to care about others, to be strong of heart, and to persevere. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and supporter to many. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Pauline is survived by her daughter and son in law, Carol and Don Elliott of Marion, IL, grandchildren, Billy and Christy Gray of Marion, IL., and Dane and Krista Elliott of Carterville, IL, and Dr. John T. and Dawn Legier of Makanda, IL; great grandchildren, Elliott and Olivia Gray of Marion, and Brandon Best and Merryn Elliott of Carterville, IL.; brother, John Hall, and dear nephews Bob Myers all of Carmi, IL, and John Myers of Florida, as well as many more special friends and family members. Although she told us “getting old isn’t for sissies”, we can only aspire to age through life as she did, with grace, dignity, humor and remaining true to one’s heart. She lived life beautifully; her way. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Parkway Manor Staff, her nurses, and her CNA’s for their immense care and compassion during this time, especially her nurses Jamie and Brittany who gave such great love and care to Pauline in her final hours. All the time in the world would not be enough to fully express our sincere appreciation for the extra time you each took for her, taking extra steps to show loving care for her and for us. Angie, Brenda, Mary, Neely, and Alexa; thank you all for your help and kindness as well, and to her special therapy department crew, who was always so caring and kind to her, championing for Cooter always. Thank you, friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND BY THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, if you are planning on attending the graveside committal service it is REQUIRED you wear a mask and social distance yourself from others. The graveside committal service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, in McKinney Chapel Cemetery, located near the Lake of Egypt, with Pastor Danny Ward presiding. Those wishing to attend the graveside service should gather at the cemetery prior to 11:00 a.m. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “The Marion Senior Citizen Center” and/or “The Baptist Children’s Home” located in Carmi, IL. Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court St., Marion, IL, 62959. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the cemetery. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.