In Loving Memory Ira Collins Johnson

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.