Jerry Gene Johnson went home to be with the Lord early the morning of Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, Illinois. He was 90 years old. Born on December 1, 1935 to Paul Eugene and Bernice (Hatcher) Johnson in Benton (Franklin County) as the oldest of four children. His two brothers and sister survive: Paul Johnson of McLeansboro, Illinois, Ruth Sheraden of Princeton, Indiana, and Robert Johnson of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Jerry spent most of his life in or near McLeansboro. Having retired from his refrigeration business, he loved to fish and hunt and spend time outdoors, especially with family.
On February 15, 1957, Jerry married Nancy Jean Rick. Together, they had four children, James (& Susan) Johnson of Dubois, Wyoming, Jewel (& Barry) Brooks of McLeansboro, Ricky (and partner Barbara Dill) Johnson of McLeansboro , and Kent (& Deborah) Johnson of Herrin, Illinois. He is survived by his wife and children along with 14 grandchildren, 2 bonus grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 1 great grandchild on the way, 2 great-great grandchildren on the way, and a multitude of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one great granddaughter.
Visitation will be held at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 with funeral services at Gholson’s on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow funeral services on Sunday at Braden Valley Cemetery southwest of McLeansboro. Jerry’s family would especially like to thank Pastors Thad Galloway and Russell Anderson and the church family at the First United Methodist Church in McLeansboro as well as Dr. Sloan and the staff at Hamilton Memorial Hospital for their caring and outpouring of support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of McLeansboro and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
