Jacqueline Mclemore Johnson

Jacqueline McLemore Johnson, 87, of Grants Pass, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, surrounded by her family at Three Rivers Community Hospital.

Jackie was born February 14, 1924 in Britton, OK to David F. and Ivah Bessire McLemore. She remained in Oklahoma throughout her youth, attending one year of college at Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater (now Oklahoma State University), before completing an R.N. nursing degree at University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman.

Marriage on August 28, 1944 to R. Ray Johnson, M.D. was immediately followed by his naval assignment out of Bremerton, WA (WWII). After the war, they returned to Oklahoma City, began a medical practice and started their family. A second naval assignment several years later out of San Diego, CA (Korean War) convinced the young couple to permanently relocate their family to the West Coast, choosing Grants Pass to settle in 1951.

Jackie was a devoted homemaker and exhibited passion and exceptional talents for sewing and cooking, particularly baking. Additionally, she enjoyed playing bridge, needle pointing, reading, and watching movies and television. Her flair for fashion and creative expression was evidenced both in her home and her personal style. Her charming personality and wonderful sense of humor brightened any room she entered. Her family and friends were central to her existence.

In addition to her husband of 67 years, Jackie is survived by her four children: Kay Johnson (Bill Towler) of Flagstaff, AZ, R. Ray Johnson, Jr. of Anchorage, AK, Janis Johnson Taft (Brad Taft) of Central Point, Sarah Johnson (Charles Ryan) of Napa, CA; four grandchildren: Katy and Ben Taft, Chelsea and Melanie Towler; and, two brothers: Jim McLemore of Mesquite, TX, and Jeff McLemore of Waurika, OK. She was predeceased by a brother, David McLemore, Jr., in childhood.

A memorial service will be held September 8, 2011, 1pm, in the chapel at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors, followed by a reception at a private location. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to benefit the scholarship program for students of the OHSU School of Nursing at the Southern Oregon University Ashland campus: SOU Foundation, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520, (541) 552-6127, or online at http://soufoundation.org.