Irene Johnson

Irene Johnson, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, formerly of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was received in the loving arms of Jesus at 2:35 PM on Thursday, June 14, 2018, while a patient in the Saint John XXIII Home, Hermitage, following an extended illness. She was 97.

Ms. Irene was born on September 25, 1920, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, a daughter to John Henderson & Flora (Lee) Farrow.

A 1938 graduate from Farrell High School, she married Wade E. Johnson, Sr., on September 12th of that same year. Together they started a family and born to this union were her children: Wade Jr., Karen, and Geraldine.

She was a proud homemaker for her young family. However as time went on, she furthered her education by graduating at the top of her class in 1972 while at the Mercer County Area Vocational Tech School where she become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Her nursing career landed her a position working for Sharon Regional Hospital and her dedication to her patients remained a priority until the day she retired. Likewise, she was a private duty nurse for many families throughout the years.

She was a member of the Greater New & Living Way Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church, Sharon, where she was very active fulfilling the role of Senior Mother. In addition, she was a Pastor's Aide, Past-President of the Pastor's Stewards, and National Senior Mother of the Apostolic Ministries. In 2016, she received both the Farrell Homecoming Distinguished Senior Award, and the Legendary Men & Women of the Shenango Valley Award.

In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, especially her Bible, working crossword puzzles, and sharing her gift at telling stories. And who could forget her ability to chase after her grandkids with a fly swatter.

Survivors include: her daughters, Karen Weston (Ronald), and Marie Davis, whom she adopted, all of Farrell; her 11 grandchildren, Lisa Hampton (Anthony), Noura Johnson, Abena Johnson, Dakari Johnson (Lucretia), Janise Brown, Learl Jordan, Jerrod Jordan, Stephen Bennefield, Jr. (Destinee), Kawana Kates (Jason), Aisha Weston, and Sheila Wells (whom she raised); her 21 great-grandchildren, her 14 great-great-grandchildren; her son-in-law, Bishop Stephen L. Bennefield, Sr; and her extended family too.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wade, who died May 9, 1981; by her son, Wade E. Johnson, Jr.; by her daughter, Geraldine "Gerry" Bennefield; by her granddaughter, Karen Jordan; by her great-granddaughters, Ashley Bostick & Destiney Wells; by her siblings, Beatrice Brooks, Rosa Lee McCoy, Johnny Farrow, & Leroy Farrow; and by her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Johnson.

A Home Going service honoring Mother Irene will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 11:00 AM in the Greater New & Living Way Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church, located at 840 Highland Rd., Sharon, Pennsylvania, 16146, where Bishop Alvin McCoy, her nephew, will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to share in a time of gathering at the church beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mother Johnson was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135).