Geraldine Johnson

Geraldine (Jerre) Johnson, Chickasaw elder, passed away April 1, 2017 at the age 79 years 7 months 5 days. Memorial services are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Friday, April 14, 2017 at Wadley’s Funeral Chapel with Pastor Justin Blankenship, Phillip Billy and Lisa Johnson-Billy officiating. Services are entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

Jerre was born August 27, 1937 to Homer and Evelyn Ward Johnson in Tuscon, AZ. She was raised in Purcell and married James Idleman in 1954. Together, they had two children, Ronnie Idleman and Rhonda Tippett. Jerre spent her life caring for others and retired from Griffin Memorial Hospital, Norman, OK. Early in life, Jerre enjoyed going to rodeos and watching her kids compete. She had a lifelong affection for animals. So much so that while she was a resident at an assisted living center, she continued to feed stray animals and was eventually evicted for her caring gestures. Jerre had a green thumb. Her yard was full of vibrant colors and her garden was large enough to share her harvest with neighbors.

Jerre is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ronnie; a brother, Benjamin Johnson; and a sister, Rita Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Tippett and husband, Phillip; brother, Frank Johnson, Sr.; Grandchildren, Joshua Idleman, Jordan Idleman, Chad Keiser; Great-grandchildren, Kassidy Keiser, Hudson Keiser; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.