Dr. Virginia Anne Johnson

Unknown - Dec 13th, 2008

Birth Date: Unknown
Death Date: Dec 13, 2008
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
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Biography: Virginia Anne Johnson, 63, passed away on December 13, 2008, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 4, 1945, in Springfield, Vermont. Preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Housman Johnson, Virginia is survived by her partner of 30 years, Rose Adams, of Little Rock; her father, Forrest Johnson, and sister, Rachel Johnson, of Naperville, Illinois; her sister Heidi Johnson of Portland, Maine; and a large extended family. Virginia received a bachelor's degree from Keuka College in upstate New York and earned master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. At the time of her death, Virginia was a tenured associate professor at UAMS, in the Office of Educational Development, where she specialized in evaluation. This followed a long career in Rehabilitation Education in the University of Arkansas system at Research and Training Centers in Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Virginia served briefly with the Little Rock School District as an evaluator. She also earlier worked in Ohio as a vocational program coordinator for individuals with disabilities and as an elementary school teacher in Vermont and Illinois. Virginia's professional life was dedicated to teaching, research, and service to others. She touched so many lives as a teacher, researcher, mentor, colleague, and friend. Growing up in Vermont, Virginia enjoyed hiking, backpacking, and camping when younger. An avid gardener, she created inviting retreats wherever she lived. Virginia loved the many wonderful dogs and cats that were a part of her family over the years. Her greatest joy was in spending time with family. To celebrate the life of this remarkable and inspiring woman, a memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, with a reception immediately following the service. Memorials are requested to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 W. 12th St., Little Rock 72204. Friends are encouraged to share their memories of Virginia at the online guestbook, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(36)

Elizabeth Danley

#36

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

When I listen carefully I can hear your laughter.

Stephanie Byeres

#35

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A wonderful and caring neighbor, and friend, she will be dearly missed. At the same time, I trust she is another guardian angel watching out for her friends and family, and in particular her dear partner Rose.

Rick Roessler

#34

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Rose,

Your remarks on Friday captured the very essence of Virginia. She was the consummate professional who treated everyone with the utmost respect. I consider her both one of my closest colleagues and best friends. The world is a better place for her life and her contributions.

Joyce Cohen

#33

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I remember Ginny well and I wanted to share a Robert Frost quote she selected to appear by her picture for our Keuka Class of '67 yearbook. "Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

It appears her entire life was about "taking the road less traveled" and what a tremendous difference she made to so many. Ginny's was a life well lived. She'll not only be missed but she'll be remembered always.

Joyce Cohen, Keuka College '67, Ginny's classmate

Michele Geissler

#32

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Aunt Ginny was always an inspiration to me and a great friend through the years. She tackled every challenge bravely and with determination - not willing to back down from a fight. Yet was always filled with empathy and compassion for others. Her love for her great-nephews and nieces was evident to the very end and I'm thankful for the legacy and memories that she will leave with them.

Janet Whitten

#31

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Wow - Virginia - what a person! What an inspiration in the way she faced this illness. She was determined not to let it defeat her and she put up one heck of a fight. I've only known her for a short time, but I am glad I've had that chance. She and I love our dogs and we cried together when one died and when one of each of ours was diagnosed with cancer. I know she hurts and suffers no more and she's seeing "Bob" again and her other pups! How neat. Watch out Heaven - you won't be able to hold her back. She's full of life, smiles and energy. I hope she meets my mom -what a pair they would be. Love and prayers to all her family and friends. God bless and provide comfort.

Steve Boone

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rose,

Bettye and I are saddened by Virginia's passing. We valued our personal and professional relationships with both of you.
We wish you the best in these difficult times.

J. Nathan & Terry Bearden

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

While we were never fortunate enough to be among Virginia's students, we still learned many valuable lessons from her and Rose...on life, love, justice, and caring for and about others. We will cherish this knowledge and share it with others in her memory.
Until we meet again...

Sarah Frith

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was a great mentor and friend. She was a constant source of laughter and good advice, no matter whether I was pestering her with yet another question, request for recommendation, or gossiping about our dogs. I'll miss her greatly, and I feel fortunate to have met someone like her.

Marian H. Putnam, M.D.

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

"Ginny" and I have been friends since we met in 1963 as freshmen at Keuka College in New York State. We had a lot of fun over the years including when I visited she and Rose in March 2004. This has been a long battle against her cancer. I will miss her greatly. It is a very sad time for everyone including me who knew "Ginny" or Virginia (as you folks in Little Rock called her) and I will always think of her for the rest of my years. She was such a wonderful friend for all these years.

Linda Shock

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dr. Johnson was a co-worker and friend here at UAMS. We had many long talks through the years, and I was always impressed by how genuine, friendly, caring and kind she was. We had animal welfare in common, and I am saddened knowing that the animals have lost a dear friend and champion in Dr. Johnson. She is one of those people that will be forever remembered fondly--a very dear and special person. I will miss her.

Rachel Johnson

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was my big sister. She was the pathfinder, from the days when we were tots through our teen years to adulthood and as we grew older. She was, like so many big sisters, daring and wise and independent and unafraid. I never saw her back away from a challenge or a drawback - she just went forward. She was never cowed by defeats or tragedies, and she was the model of an independent woman. I marvelled at her and followed in her footsteps, and she always watched out for me. We shared so many great times, love and laughter, and her life was an inspiration to me - umcompromising, full of fun, dedicated to always helping others and being a consummate professional. In her last battle, she was brave beyond measure, fighting an implacable enemy with unbelievable grace and courage. So many nights I cried for what she had to go through, but she had the stocism of her "hill-born" ancestors in her. Like always, she said to me, "I'll go first, and be there to greet you when your time comes." A big sister to the end. I will miss and love her through the years and always. She was simply the best,and it was a joy and honor to be her little sister.

Rob Kennedy

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rose,

I'm saddened by the loss of Virginia, but happy that she is in a better place and no longer suffering. She was brave to the end, and kept her sense of humor. She is an inspiration to us, for her courage and her honesty. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to know her for the past few years. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I'm sure that was a comfort to her.

Mike Petty

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Marilyn and I are extremely saddened by the passing of Virginia. She was both a dear friend and valuable colleague. She will always be in our hearts and the memories of her will live with us forever.

Vanessa Cleaver

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We were very saddened to hear about Virginia's passing. We had an opportunity to get to know Virginia during her brief employment here at the Little Rock School District. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends.

Vanessa Cleaver, Marcelline Carr, Jo Anna Harris
Little Rock School District

Christi Pinkerton

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Virginia. My thoughts and prayers go to Rose and Virginia's family and friends during this time of loss. She will be missed.

Sincerely,
Christi Pinkerton

Bob Denman

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rose, I am so sorry dear friend. You are in our prayers and please let us know what we can do for you.

Bob Denman

Bob Burchfield

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Prayers and thoughts are being sent to Rose and Virginia's family at this time. It was my pleasure to know Virginia through business and on a personal basis. She will be missed.

Kathy Burchfield

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was a joy to know, a pleasure to be around. She was always smiling and saying kind words to everyone. Sympathy is extended to her friends and family.

Carolyn Mathis

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Proverbs 3:6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

All I can do is trust in the Lord because my heart aches with sadness over the loss of my dear friend. There was no better example of God's goodness on earth than Virginia. I am a better human being because of her.

Susan Cossey

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

“Virginia touched my life in such a positive, special way and set such a great example of how to live a truly actualized life. My sincere condolences go out to her loving partner, Rose, and Virginia’s family. Rest well, Virginia, you are missed.”

Gloria Thomas

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rose,

All my love to you. Virginia was a very courageous woman who put up an amazing fight against cancer.

I know she had a longer time with us because of your devoted love and care.

With sympathy. Gloria

Carol S. Spears

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was certainly a great person and friend. I am lucky to have known her for over 25? years and all her many doggies (one even gave me a love bite), beautiful home--always with pristine steamed-cleaned carpets (that's an inside joke), and great gardens here in West Fork and Little Rock. We laughed, shared meals, discussed all issues, and always thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I have many memories to cherish and she lives in my heart forever! Rose, you have done a great job care taking. I offer you my help, love, and sincere sympathy.

Elaine Yates

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm so sorry to receive this tragic news. Virginia was a wonderful woman who was a mentor and inspiration to me.

Melanie Thornton

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Rose,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Melanie

Melissa Higginbotham

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dr. Johnson was my professor at the Research and Training Center. Her knowledge and expertise will live on in the students she inspired and touched. She helped shaped the professional I am today. She was truly a blessing and will be deeply missed.

Hope Johnson

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am grateful to have become acquainted with Virginia as a colleague and friend. Always inspiring, she brought a positive perspective on every situation. She displayed humility, openess, kindness and respect for others. Intelligent and insightful, I learned much from her sound judgment and appreciated her gift of encouragement. Virginia was easy to get to know and always appreciated a good joke. I will miss you Virginia, but I know that you are perfectly well now and at peace.

Donna Middaugh

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We have lost a dear friend, mentor and outstanding woman. I will miss her humor and guidance so much. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Ruth Allen

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was a professional colleague, as well as a friend who also loved dogs. I was grateful for the help she provided me as we worked on projects together. She taught me a lot, especially how to persevere when things got complicated.

Dr. Linda C. Hodges

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It is with a tremendous sense of loss that I read Virginia's obituary. She was a dear colleague and friend to the College of Nursing and to me personally. Many of the major grants to support education in the College was obtained in large part due to Virginia's contributions in the area of evaluation. As a personal friend she was caring and loving. I will miss her and I know that members of the staff and faculty in the College of Nursing will grieve her loss.

Kelly Duke

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was a great friend. Her spirit will truly be missed.

Kelly Duke

Kimberly Morton

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dr. Johnson was a mentor to me as I was finishing my master's degree. She was an asset to UAMS and an inspiration in my life. I will miss her bright smile and words of wisdom.

With sympathy and prayers,

Kimberly Morton

Victoria Grando

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My heart is saddened by the passing of Virginia. She was a dear friend and colleague.

My prayers go out to her loved ones as they cope with her loss.

Sincerely,
Victoria Grando

Dr. and Mrs. Larry Milne

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Rose,

Larry and I are deeply saddened by Virginia's death. We hope you are comforted knowing you paved her way to heaven with your love and caring.

Larry and Phyllis

Diane Skinner

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Virginia was always the professional. She took on academic challenges without blinking and she tackled her illness with courage and determination. She was in inspiration to me and many others; self-pity was a foreign concept to her.

Dr. Elaine A. Gardner

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

In great sorrow and remembrance of an outstanding women and mentor.

Virginia is in a better place.

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