Wilma  Naomi Johnson

Wilma N. Thornton Johnson, 90, a resident of Friendship Village Wellspring Living in Waterloo, passed away on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice.

Wilma was born on January 5, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to her parents Irvin Martin and Rose (McNeeley) Thornton. She grew up in Des Moines, where she graduated from East High School. After graduation, she met Roy Milton Hennick and the two were united in marriage on May 2, 1953; they later divorced. On July 23, 1977, Wilma married Donald A. Johnson at Central Christian Church in Waterloo and created a blended family. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2003.

She began her working career at Northwestern Bell (also known as US West), where she worked as a telephone operator. In 1960, Wilma moved to Waterloo, and in 1969, she began working at Montgomery Ward. She later returned to Northwestern Bell, where she earned an early retirement.

Wilma had been a member of Central Christian Church in Waterloo since 1960, where she served as Deaconess, was a member of CWF, organized church garage sale fundraisers, and co-chaired the annual bazaar crafts room. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers, International Chapter PEO Sisterhood Chapter, CWA Eastern Iowa Retired Members. In her earlier years, she volunteered for the Kittrell Elementary PTA. Wilma lived a long and fulfilling life, always "doing for the least of these," serving her family, friends, and those in need. She went out of her way to make sure everyone felt welcome and loved.

She is survived by her children, Denise (Bob) Dunn and Mark Hennick, both of Waterloo, Michael (Denise) Hennick of Pleasant Hill, Rhonda Sayles of Waukee, Paula (Steve) Hagenson of Waverly, and Susan (Bill) Jackson of Fort Myers, FL; 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren; and sister Shirley Havens of Des Moines. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald A. Johnson; sisters, Barbara Wike, Minnie Warner, Bonnie Pontisso, Patricia Watson, Colleen Knouf, Karen Freeman; infant sister, Deloris Thornton; brother, Eddie Thornton, and his wife Linda; stepson, Craig Johnson; and great-grandson, Dylan Thorp.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Central Christian Church in Waterloo. A visitation will take place one hour prior. Burial will follow services at the Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, or to the Church.