Paulette Loyd Johnson

IN MEMORY OF: Paulette Loyd Johnson Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Paulette Loyd Johnson of De Soto, Illinois joined her family in Heaven on February 2, 2024, at the age of 76, in her home surrounded by family. Paulette was born on March 26, 1947, in Herrin, Illinois to Jewell and Odell Loyd, the second of three children. She married her loving and devoted husband John, on September 20th, 1980. The couple raised two sons, Kent and Keith. She attended De Soto Grade School and Carbondale Community High School before earning her Associate of Arts in 1980, Bachelor of Science in Business Education in 1983, and Master of Science in Education in 1990 from Southern Illinois University. Paulette committed to continuing her education as a single working mother, a testament to her tireless determination and her devotion to her family. She taught and served as the Coordinator of Special Projects at John A. Logan College for 21 years and has enjoyed retirement since 2008. A lifelong resident of De Soto, Paulette was a pillar of her community. She served on the village board for 27 years and devoted countless hours to her hometown. Paulette planned and organized the De Soto Daze Community Festival and Car Show, Milk and Cookies with Santa, Christmas at the Gazebo, and the annual Easter and Halloween community celebrations for many years. Her fingerprints can be seen all around the village, most notably at the De Soto Community Park, including the Paulette Johnson Playground, dog park, softball fields, walking track, and the Paulette Johnson Skate Park. Her mission was to create a safe place for the children of De Soto to enjoy. Her service to the village also included the creation of the De Soto Senior Citizen Park and welcome berms located around the village. Paulette was wholly committed to every endeavor that she chose to undertake. Her volunteer work also included being a 4H Club leader, school room mother, and PTA member at De Soto Grade School, Lions Club, and Paul Stout American Legion Post 127. She exemplified the values of volunteerism, and the impact of her initiative and dedication will continue to be felt far and wide. Paulette loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was always involved in their endeavors, lending her time to their various activities, such as sports and dance. Paulette and John also lovingly contributed to the upbringing of numerous "chosen grandchildren." They opened their home to many and treated all who walked through their door as family. Paulette was simply known as “Grammy” or “Mimi” to many. Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted wife, mother, Grammy, sister, and friend. Her unwavering love and support instilled lifelong values of family, hard work, and determination in her children and grandchildren. She loved her family endlessly, and her wit, comforting presence, thoughtfulness, and wisdom will be missed so dearly. Paulette was very intentional about relationships with those close to her, never forgetting a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion; she never failed to make those who crossed her path feel special and loved, regardless of time passed or distance. Later in life, Paulette gained another family member, her dog Kamri. As her protective companion, they shared many memories and snacks, as they were inseparable. Paulette is survived by her beloved husband John; sons Kent (Marcie) Buckles of De Soto and Keith Javors (Buckles) of De Soto; grandchildren Zachary (Mary Reed) Buckles of Grapevine, Texas, Ian Buckles (Zoe Gavin) of North Aurora, and Sierra Buckles (Vincent Rushing) of De Soto; and sister Barbara Humphrey. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Randy, Julie, and Dalton Humphrey of Royalton; Hannah, Jake, and Lakelyn Carlock of Murphysboro; Jon, Andrea, Alexandria, and Mattea Humphrey of Livingston, Tennessee; Kelsey, Kevin, and Sophie Fagerland of Murphysboro; Brigette and Daniel Richey of Aurora, Colorado; and Callie, Rowdy, and Ryder Loyd of Murphysboro. She also leaves behind umpteen cousins and special friends, including Suzanne Immen, Richard Loyd, Deanna and Wayne Wheeles, and Jana Fann. Paulette was preceded in death by her parents; brother John; brother-in-law Guy Humphrey; and nephew Christopher Loyd. Services will be at 6 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Crain Funeral Home – Murphysboro with the Rev. Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home.

Paulette Loyd Johnson

March 26, 1947 - February 2, 2024