Hazel Marie Johnson at the precious age of 90, was listed among the cloud of witness on Saturday, February 8, 2020, when she passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home.  She was born November 29, 1929 in Mineral Springs to Lonnie Coulter who was born on the Isle of Madagascar, and Minnie Ola Smith Coulter who was born in Gravel Hill, AR.  They preceded her in death as well as her husband, Jay C. Johnson; her daughter, Ella Lee Thrower, and she was the last living of nine siblings, Doris, Daisy, Waltren, Ella Mae, Ada Francis, Helen Louise, L.C., D.D., and Angie Lee.

Hazel (Marie) as she often repeated when asked her name, had a very sharp memory and shared many memorable moments of her life as she wrote her life story.  She recalled that her grandparents, Giles Coulter, an African, was brought to America in the 1830's.  He was one of the ninety who left from the Isle of Madagascar with a group of Coulters from Scotland, they settled in Arkansas (Sevier County) in 1835.

Memories and thoughts shared about her family was, "Sometimes family members can be too nice. Oh boy look for reasons." I am sure her family members will understand her statement. She stated about friends, "God gives us real friends, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." She summed it all up with Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness.

She worked for the Senior Companion Program for many years. She also worked for the Ouachita Memorial Hospital as well as the Quapaw Bath House.

Hazel Marie was a former member of Cottrell Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She later joined St. Paul Baptist Church and was a long faithful servant. She exhibited her faith by serving as a Deaconess, she took her role so serious, even after her health began to fail, she would have the caregivers to dress her in white and wait for the Pastor and Deacons to bring her communion to her home. She also served as a Trustee and any area of ministry she could be of service.  She loved to study God's word and studied it all of her life.  She loved to sing and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Some of her favorite songs were, "Your Grace and Mercy"," Hold to God's Unchanging Hand", and "Blessed Assurance".

She built her religious foundation on Ps. 23;6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.  Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.  And always remember that Jehovah Jireh is your provider.

Her legacy and words of wisdom shall forever be cherished in the hearts and minds of her beloved son and caregiver, James Carl (Linda) Johnson;  her special caregiver and friend, Lorna Murphy;  a special niece, Martha R. Hendrix; six grandchildren, Felicia (Tony) Phillips, James Johnson, Jr., Ernest D. Lemons, Eric Thrower, Juan (Johnson) Willis, and James Isaiah Johnson; 20 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church with Pastor Kenneth R. Gulley, officiating and Brother Billy E. Blackmon will deliver the eulogy at her request. Her earthly vessel will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, and daughter in Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 – 6:30 at the funeral home. The family will gather at 145 Lafayette Street. The guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com . Ministry of Comfort is provided by Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services and staff.