Theresa Ann Johnson, born in Hannibal, Missouri and a lifelong resident of Mexico, Missouri, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love she spent her life giving so freely.

Funeral services will be held at Living Hope Church in Mexico, Missouri, on March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Bishop Baitinger and Pastor Shawn will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Theresa was born on April 8, 1953, in Hannibal, Missouri, the beloved daughter of Loretta Turner and Amo Holliday. She later married the love of her life, Elmer Johnson, on June 30, 1979, in Mexico, Missouri. Together, they built a life full of laughter, faith, and unwavering love.

To know Theresa was truly to love her. She was the heart of our family—the one who made sure everyone was cared for, prayed over, and reminded just how much they were loved. She never met a stranger, and her hugs could make even the hardest days feel a little lighter. Her smile was constant, her faith was strong, and her love was endless.

She was a God-fearing woman who leaned on her faith in every season of life. Even during her battle with cancer, she showed incredible strength and grace. She never let it steal her joy—she kept her spirits high, still found happiness in the little things like going to the store, and continued pouring love into those around her.

Theresa found joy in church, shopping, babysitting, taking walks, traveling and sharing laughter—especially with her husband, Elmer. But above all, she cherished her family. Every moment spent with her was a gift that will live on in our hearts forever.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." — Psalm 23:4

She fought hard, but more importantly, she loved even harder—and that love will live on in each of us.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Elmer Johnson; her children, Clarice (James) South of Mexico, MO, Trennette (Timothy) Lavender of Mexico, MO, and Terrell (Regina) Johnson of Mexico, MO; her cherished grandchildren, Devin Johnson, Jeffrey Whitley Jr., Kronesha (Scott) Foreman of Mexico, MO, Sha'Neisha (Trey) Keith of Columbia, MO, Nicholas Meislin of Houston, TX, and Malachi Whitley of Mexico, MO; her beloved sisters, Ida Johnson of South Carolina and Wanda Clark of Mexico, MO; her brother in law, George Albert Johnson; Ralph Excford; her precious great-grandchildren, Amelia Whitley, Emma Whitley, Devin Whitley Jr., Kaisen Foreman, Kyrie Foreman, KyAire Foreman, Niyla Belcher, Treyvaughn Belcher, and Ka'Miyah Keith, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Amo Holliday and Loretta Turner; her mother and father-in-law, Bernadette and Albert Johnson; her sisters, Viola, Beatrice, and Millie; her brothers Harold Givens and Walter Turner; her Uncle Boots; her brother-in-law, Harold Joe Johnson; Ruth Excford ; and her nephews, Sherman Galbreath, Ralph Jr Excford .

The family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Association. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.