Retha Jones Johnson, age 97, of Malvern, died Thursday morning in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. She was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on June 10, 1913 to the late Lem Jones and Claudia Reese Jones. Reared and receiving her early education in Sheridan, she later attended Hendrix College, Henderson State Teachers College (now Henderson State University), and George Peabody College/Vanderbilt, where she received her AA, BA, and MA degrees. Mrs. Johnson taught school in Grant County, Hot Spring County, and Henderson State University. She retired in 1974 after teaching 27 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she attended the Wesleyan Sunday School Class. Mrs. Johnson was the widow of Adrian Johnson, who preceded her in death in 1984. They were married on August 14, 1937.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Velma Lybrand, and a foster sister, Odessa Pearson.

Her survivors include one daughter Carolyn Sue and her husband Clifford Lloyd of Las Vegas, Nevada; one grandson Douglas R. Lloyd and his wife, Mina; two great-grandsons, Matthew V. and Nicolas A. Lloyd, all of Lansing, Michigan.

Graveside services will be on Sunday afternoon, April 10, at two o'clock, in the Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan with Reverend LaVon Post officiating and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.