Ira Collins Johnson, passed away peacefully at his home in Jackson, Louisiana, on Monday, March 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. Ira Collins Johnson was born April 28, 1932, the last child of eight born to the union of Rufus Ewing Johnson and Elvira Colvin Johnson of Farmerville, Louisiana . After graduating from Union Parish High School in 1951, he joined the U. S. Military, from which he retired after serving 25 years. He was later employed at the Dixon Correctional Institution in Jackson, LA. While stationed in Michigan, he met the love of his life, Hilda Noflin. The two were married October 3, 1959; and to their union they had six children. He and Hilda also lovingly opened their home to foster their love and attention to 50 children throughout the years. He made sure our home was one of warmth, love, happiness and security. One of his favorite scriptures was Ruth 1:16, “…for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night. I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” Ira enjoyed farming his land, raising cows, BBQ grilling, family gatherings, listening to his jazz album collection, taking trips to Farmerville to visit family and friends, keeping in touch with his lifelong “comrades and homeboys” who became like brothers to him and he especially loved spending time with his grand and great grand children. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hilda Noflin Johnson, daughter Cassandra McKnight of Baton Rouge, La; son Andrea(Cindy) of Baker, La; daughter Renate Harris(Stanton) of Tanzania East Africa; daughter Adrianne Rhonda of Zachary, La; son Ira (Tammy) of Baker, La; Athena Odette of Jackson, La and honorary son Brian K. Collins(Marie) of Denham Springs, La. 5 grandchildren Johnna Abuwi (Jordan) of Atlanta, Ga; Raphael Johnson of Kenosha, WI; Sandra McKnight of Baton Rouge, La; Pachina Hills (Naaman) of Baton Rouge, La and Louis Ray McKnight (Ebony) of Killeen, Texas; 7 great grandchildren: Jordan Abuwi of Atlanta, Ga; Talliyah Jackson and Serenity Gibson of Baton Rouge; Caleb and Carmen Chatman of Killeen, Texas, Kaiden Johnson of Flatwoods, KY; Emmitt Johnson of Kenosha, WI and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Ira was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers: Rufus, Zollie, Lee Andrew and Sheppard; 3 sisters: Georgetta Ward, Gracie Kelley and Thelma Gafford. Arrangements for a zoom Memorial will be updated.
Sorry for the loss of your dad. We are keeping you in our prayers. May Jehovah continue to comfort your family.
IraCollinsJohnson was an amazing person and father. He was always so kind and loving to his family and children. He will be deeply missed.
Ira C. Johnson was the President of Union Parish Training School Senior Class of 1951, Farmerville LA. He was truly a leader and a very active participant in extracurricular organizations, namely: Student Council, Glee Club and Boys Chorus. Ira’s classmates, nine of the remaining twenty-five classmates are saddened by his demise. We are thankful
and grateful that we had the opportunity to his friendship and laughter throughout high school and when he would
return home for Class Reunions and his home church Revivals.
Sincerely,
Verdell, Breard, Willie Mae, Linnie Grace, Geneva, Lola Mae, Hommie Lee, Della B. & Earnestine Woods
George and Mary are sorry for your loss, you have our deepest sympathy and you’re in our prayers
I am saddened of your loss. uncle Ira had such a quiet so that’s how long I remember him.
We sent our deepest sympathy for the loss of you father.We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Such a quiet soul may God bless his transition
So very sorry for your loss, my heart and love goes out to the Johnson family.
I am so sorry for your loss, truly a loss to all who knew he so well. The comments about he were beautiful, it made me feel as if I knew him.
May our God Jehovah give you the comfort you all need at this time.
We are very saddened by your loss Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of grief.
Just reading the obituary we learn so much. It’s obvious that this was a person with principles and standards. He evidently had high expectations for his children because of the people they have become. May you cherish these memories and look forward to a time when days will be filled with joy, hope and peace. We extend heartfelt condolences to the family.
Throughout my life people would ask me if I was in the military. Next, they would ask me who were my parents. I would tell them about growing up in Foster Care with my Uncle Ira (Dad), and my Cousin Hilda (Mom). Finally, they would say that my parents raised me right. Thank you Jehovah for my family. My Dad’s legacy will continue and he will never be forgotten. I love you all and I’m grateful to be part of the Johnson family. Thanks for allowing me to be part of y’all family.
Sincerely with Love,
Keith