Helen (Braswell) Johns

Helen Johns, 25, of Crossett, (actually 77, but due to a promise made to her by her daughter, we must say 25), passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022, at her home.  She was born on January 15, 1945, in Warren, Arkansas, to her parents, Clarence and Loree Wary Braswell.

Helen was raised in Bastrop, Louisiana, where, in 1963, she graduated high school.  On April 9, 1964, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Ray Johns, and they made their home in Crossett.

For decades, Helen was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  She was a Sunday School teacher among numerous other things at the church and held a special bond with her friends, who she referred to as her “church ladies”.

Besides staying active with the church, Helen also enjoyed sewing, quilting, oil painting, reading, and decorating cakes.  She was a licensed cosmetologist for many years and believed strongly in the “southern lady” image.  She never went outside without getting dolled up, believed that there were no hurt feelings that a cake or pie couldn’t fix, and if she knew you, she often “blessed your heart”. 

Helen was quick witted, her own worst critic, and believed her grandchildren did no wrong.   Her holiday meals were always quite the feast, and her recipes kept as classified information even to her daughters.

She was a God-loving and God-fearing woman who adored her church, her husband, and especially her grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by one brother, Richard Braswell.

She leaves behind her husband of fifty-seven years, Kenneth Ray Johns; and two daughters, Susan Kitchens, and Tamara Reid (Leslie), all of Crossett; one son, Michael Johns of Boston, MA; and one bonus daughter, Shannon Black (Robert) also of Crossett; along with eight grandchildren, Caleb and Cade Kitchens, Alexis, Lydia, and Sawyer Reid, Haleigh Judge, and Hannah and Lyric Johns; and one great-grandson, Grant Reid, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 4th, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Bro. Doug Hibbard, and Bro. Eric Hodge, officiating.  Pallbearers are Leslie Reid, Robert Black, Greg Halley, Logan Black, Pacen Moore, and Bill Rodgers.  Honorary pallbearers are Tony Brockwell and Kenneth’s Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 3rd, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1533 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett.

Services entrusted to Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.

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