Francies Joann Johnson, age 85, of Benton, passed away February 14, 2023 after an extended illness.  She was born March 27, 1937 to Joe and Ida (Cox) Thornberry.  Francies retired from Benton Public Schools after working 15 years at Caldwell Elementary.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry W. Johnson; son, Donnie Johnson; daughter, Brenda (Johnson) Blackburn; three grandsons, Robbie Blackburn, Matthew Johnson, and Donnie Hill; four brothers, JT, Cleo, Clyde Neal and Jessie Thornberry; and two sisters, Rachel Weems and Vera Thompson.

Leaving to cherish her memory, a daughter, Barbara Hill; son, Jerry Lynn Johnson (Audena); seven grandchildren, Steven Hill, Kevin Hill, Deana Lynn Johnson, Megan Davis (Josh), Tonya Morris (Billy), Donnie Johnson, and Bradley Blackburn; five great-grandchildren, Wesley Hill, Monica Beard, Critter Hill, Brennan Beckham, and Brooks Davis; sister, Barbara Neal Pierce (Robert); brother, Bobby Joe Thornberry (Debra).

Pallbearers will be Steven Hill, Kevin Hill, Critter Hill, Wesley Hill, Donnie Johnson, and Josh Davis.  Honorary pallbearer will be Brad Blackburn.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 24 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Rosemont Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice, Shelly Walker, and the Heartland Nursing Home for all the love and care they showed the family during this time.