Nancy Jean (Rick) Johnson went to her heavenly Home at 11:51 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, Illinois. She was 90 years old, born March 30, 1935 to Lawrence E. and Rose (Walters) Rick in Morrison, Illinois (Whiteside County). Three younger sisters survive (Sherry Dykema of Morrison, Illinois, Denise Jansma-Garlough of Davenport, Iowa, and Beth Thompson of Morrison, Illinois) while one sister, Frances Rick, died in infancy in 1937.
On February 15, 1957, Nancy married Jerry Gene Johnson. During their 69 years together, they were blessed with four children, James (& Susan) Johnson of Dubois, Wyoming, Jewel (& Barry) Brooks of McLeansboro, Ricky (and partner Barbara Dill of McLeansboro) Johnson, and Kent (& Deborah) Johnson of Herrin, Illinois. Their children blessed them with 14 grandchildren, 2 bonus grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren with another one on the way, and 2 expected great-great grandchildren. She was loved dearly by many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Jerry preceded her in death by 3 days with his hand in hers. Her parents, an infant sister and one great granddaughter also preceded her in death.
Nancy held a special place in her heart for music, sharing that love through piano and singing in the choir at church, all the way through her 90th birthday. She was particularly blessed to have installed that love into her family, sharing special memories of creating music through the vocal and handbell choir with her grandchildren. Her caring nature extended throughout her career as a Registered Nurse for over 50 years. While she worked in nearly every facet of nursing, she retired as a school nurse in Hamilton County, Illinois. There she was affectionately known to many students as Grandma Nancy. Nancy had an immeasurable care for people, as evidenced throughout her life with her family, church, nursing career, and her dedication to the Hamilton Memorial Hospital & Auxiliary Boards.
Visitation will be held at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 with funeral services at the First United Methodist Church in McLeansboro on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow funeral services at Braden Valley Cemetery southwest of McLeansboro. 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 or the church.
Nancy’s family would particularly like to thank Pastor Thad Galloway 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 tremendous caring and outpouring of support.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.
