Fayrene West Johnson

Nov 5th, 1934 - Sep 7th, 2020

Birth Date: Nov 5, 1934
Death Date: Sep 7, 2020
Location: Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery
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Biography: Fayrene West Johnson of Little Rock, passed away on September 7, 2020 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on November 5, 1934 in Greenville, Mississippi to the late Martha Allen and Hiram Creekmore West. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Herbert Johnson Jr., and her sister, Martha West Nunnery. She is Survived by her daughter, Cynthia Johnson Hill (Ricky) of Cabot, two grandchildren, Glenn Hill (Natalie) of Coronado, CA and Julie Hill of Cabot, AR, a brother, Pete West of Starkville, MS and two brothers-in-law, Dr. Jeff Johnson (Suellen) of Paducah, KY and Kelley Johnson (Judy) of Little Rock, AR.

Fayrene graduated with Honors from Greenville High School in 1952, Delta State University in 1956, and received a Master’s in English from the University of Mississippi.

She taught high school English and Journalism in Gulfport, Mississippi for two years before leaving to teach abroad at Air Force High Schools in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada and Lakenheath, England, UK. After marrying and moving to Arkansas, she taught English and Journalism at Hall High School in Little Rock, where she was the first Arkansas high school journalism teacher to be awarded a fellowship by the Wall Street Journal Foundation.

Fayrene was an adjunct professor in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock for over 40 years and was one of the founders of the University Writing Center. She was also a charter member of the Beta Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. As a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church, she served as a church Elder, Sunday school teacher, circle leader, served on the education ministry, and was the founder of Second Readers Book Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Hospice Home Care Little Rock Inpatient Center, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences(12)

ROSLYN L KNUTSON

#12

Sep 26th, 2020 12:55 pm

Fayrene was an amazing colleague and friend. She took her work seriously, taught with insight and commitment, and succeeded with whatever age group she was assigned. She leaves this world a better place for her having been a part of it.

Bob and Jo Ann McQuade

#11

Sep 23rd, 2020 5:52 pm

Dear Family,
Your mother was a very special person to everyone she touched. She was one of the first people we met at Second Presbyterian in 1980.
She was always sweet, soft spoken and willing to do anything for anybody. We will cherish her memory.
Blessings and love, Bob and Jo Ann McQuade

Jaynie M. Fisher-McClain & James B. McClain, Jr.

#10

Sep 14th, 2020 2:24 pm

Dear Cynthia and family, I wanted to write to give you our sincere prayers and sympathy for the passing of your mom. When I began to read her life’s story, it was mainly curiosity due to her maiden name. You see, my mom’s maiden name was also West. Mom even had a brother named Pete! I was trying to remember if mom had ever mentioned your mom’s family as being kin to them. As I read her life’s story,it doesn’t seem likely that there’s a direct connection to my family. But I did see one similarity that you and I share, we are both only children! I was very close to both my parents. Quite honestly, I was a Daddy’s Girl, but we have to be both of their girls, don’t we? I just wanted to let you know that if you are feeling rather lost and alone, even with other family around you, so did I. Having read about your mom, Cynthia, I know that she was a true Christian. So was my mom and my dad too. When the Lord released daddy 1st from his pain and sickness, for the Healing and Renewal of Heaven, I was given such a lift in my soul, because I knew daddy would not hurt or be confused anymore. My mom followed him just 7 weeks later. But our parents are not ’lost’. To say that they are ‘lost’, indicates that we don’t know where they are. But that isn’t so of a Born-Again Christians. We know where they have gone and where we will go to see them again! Heaven is untouched by sin, sickness, bad memories, pain and even death! As hard as it is to let them go, we release them from the chains of the flesh to learn how to soar. Psalm 116.15. I know I have said a lot, but I hope some of it helps you. Your Servant, Jaynie Fisher-McClain.

Robin Cartwright

Sep 14th, 2020 12:50 pm

It was such an honor to have been one of Fayrenes' caregivers, while she was still at home in the Heights. Listening to her stories and watching Masterpiece Theater with her, was always a treat. Such a great lady! What a beautiful life she lived. I’m so very sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family, Cynthia ~

Herb Rule

Sep 13th, 2020 8:36 pm

Cynthia, Kelley, Jeff I share your grief at Fayrene’s death. Such a caring girl she was, always ready to help. Best to your family. Herb

Curtis Finch

Sep 13th, 2020 2:48 pm

Cynthia, my condolences; you mother was very special, and I frequently think of your father who was one of my best friends. Curtis Finch

Rita House

Sep 11th, 2020 9:03 pm

So sorry for your loss, Cynthia.

Rhonda Willaims

Sep 11th, 2020 1:13 pm

She was so enjoyable to be around and I loved visiting with her. Her pleasant voice, smiling face and how She loved watching her daughter and grandchildren ride. So sorry for the loss.

Patsy Wagner

Sep 11th, 2020 12:37 pm

Cynthia, I am so sorry. Your mother was a lovely lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her. When you and Susan were barrel racing and Heather could have cared less, Fayrere always brought Heather a prize. I remember she always told me I should write a book giving directions to all the arenas. Praying for peace for you and your family.

Marylyn Parins

Sep 10th, 2020 7:15 pm

I will miss an old friend and valued colleague. Marylyn Parins, professor emerita, UALR

Nancy Wood

Sep 10th, 2020 6:55 pm

I worked with Fayrene at UALR. She was a lovely southern lady. I am so sorry.

Chaplain Beverly White

Sep 9th, 2020 7:56 pm

It was my joy serving as one of her Chaplains at the Comfort Care Center. You are a lovely family including Lucy