With a mixture of both profound sadness and spiritual joy that she is in God's hands, we announce the passing of Frances "Fran" Johnson, a cherished wife,  mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and pillar of her community. Frances was a beacon of strength and love, radiating warmth and wisdom to all who had the privilege to know her. She was born on April 15, 1937 and was called to her eternal rest on May 26, 2024.

A woman of many talents and passions, Frances was deeply devoted to her family. Her surviving loved ones include her children Theresa J. VonPlinsky, William E. Johnson, Jr., Michael T. Johnson and Thomas C. Johnson. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Matthew J. VonPlinsky, Brianna VonPlinsky Shields, Autumn L. VonPlinsky,  Ty J. VonPlinsky, Jessica  Ellis, Amber Johnson, Robyn Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Christina "Tina" Hyman, Kenneth Rawson, Frances "Frankie"  Rawson,  Megan Weller,  as well as many great grandchildren and and her only sibling, her dear brother Thomas "Tom" J. Stocker.  Frances was predeceased by her beloved husband, William "Bill" Edward Johnson, Sr., her children Peter Vincent Johnson and Diane Monica Johnson Rawson, and her parents Frances Virginia Paquette Slack Arsenault and Thomas Jeremiah Slack.

Frances and William were united in love and marriage in 1955 at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Methuen, Massachusetts, USA and together they created a beautiful legacy of love. Frances was an outstanding military wife,  managing the home front while raising six children. She was also an accomplished violinist, gracing the stage of The Augusta Symphony.

Frances had a great love for the arts, from enjoying Masterpiece Theater and films like Dr. Zhivago and The King and I, to encouraging her husband's singing as cantor at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and his performances in the Augusta Opera Chorus, and to marveling at Impressionist Art and the works of her brother, Artist Thomas "Tom" J. Stocker. She was an expert player of Scrabble, and found immense pleasure in working in her garden, race-walking with her husband, and hiking with family at many State and local Parks, particular in the mountains, and playing her violin. 

Committed to giving back, Frances was a long-time supporter of St. Jude, pouring her time and resources into other causes that touched her heart, like MADD.  A lady of distinct tastes, her love for the color purple was a testament to her vibrant personality. Those who knew Frances admired her for her strong character, self-respect, and highly principled nature. She was a devoted wife and mother, whose teachings always emphasized the utmost importance of love.

Frances leaves behind a legacy of love, embodied in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was passionate about family, music, and was a teacher at heart. Encouraging and mentoring, Frances made a profound impact on her descendants and their individual interests. Fran's spirit of love and devotion will live on through the lives of those she touched and shaped with her wisdom. She will always be Queen of our hearts.  

Frances chose to be a Body Donor through Augusta University Anatomical Donation Services, as her husband also chose to do.  They did not wish to have anything more than the periodic Memorial Service offered by the donation program so we do not have plans for a public memorial service. 

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