Biography: Sharon Russell Johnson passed away suddenly at home on Friday, October 2, 2020. She was born February 7, 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Helen (nee White) Russell Warren and Arthur Russell. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1968 and from Arkansas Tech in 1972 with a degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career at Cutter Morning Star School in Hot Springs.  She went on to complete her master's degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. On September 15, 1973 she married Rick Johnson. They settled in Little Rock, where she taught various levels of elementary school at Miss Selma’s School, Baseline Elementary, and Sherwood Elementary, from which she retired in 2005.
 
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Harold Warren. She is survived by her husband Rick, sons Andrew (Allison) and David, her precious grandson Hudson, her sister Judy Leeker (Don), niece Laura (Kyle Priddle), nephew Matthew (Lisa Kaneda), her aunt Eunice Loy, and many cousins and friends.
 
Sharon was a talented and giving woman who touched many lives in her community. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and Bible Study Fellowship and was active in several Down’s Syndrome groups and other charitable organizations. She served in multiple leadership positions in the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers Sorority and was also a member of the South Pulaski Retired Teachers Association. Sharon was a lifelong avid reader and belonged to two book clubs, one of which, the Noble Book Club, she was a founding member. She also enjoyed painting, crafting, and jewelry-making with her friends at The Studio. She loved gardening and traveling with her sister and niece.  Later in her life, her greatest joy was babysitting her grandson Hudson. She loved and was loved by many and we will miss her greatly.
 
There will be a memorial service at Ruebel Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 7th at 10 am.  There will be limited seating with social distancing and masks required.   A private family burial will be at a later date at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Family Home of Little Rock, 4300 West Markham St., or any Down Syndrome organization.