MANNING – Ruth Cantey Johnson, 103, widow of James Henry Johnson, Sr., passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at her home.
Born April 20, 1917, in New Zion, she was a daughter of the late David Christopher Cantey and the late Janie Baker Cantey. She was a member of Manning United Methodist Church and she attended Manning First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, James Henry "Bud" Johnson, Jr. (Bettye); her daughter, Brenda Ruth Johnson Thompson, both of Manning; six grandchildren, James Henry "Hank" Johnson III (Kay) of Mt. Pleasant, Pamela Ruth Johnson James (Johnny) of Manning, Sandra Kaye Thompson Arrants (Rocky) of Pensacola, FL, Tammye Johnson Tidwell (Kenny) of Manning, William Robert "Rob" Thompson III and David Christopher "Chris" Johnson, both of Columbia; nine great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, James Hugh "Jamie" Thompson; a son-in-law, William Robert "Bobby" Thompson, Jr.; a great-great granddaughter, Mary James; and ten siblings.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Clarendon Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dr. Phillip Reynolds officiating.
Memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102, or to Manning First Baptist Church, 49 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
Eulogy read by Grandson Rob Thompson at her funeral:
There will never be another Ruth C. Johnson. My grandmother whom we all called Mama (pronounced meh-meh) was a handful.
She was born on April 20, 1917, in Williamsburg County. She and her twin sister, Ruby Cantey Baker, were the youngest of 11 children of the late David and Janie Cantey.
Mama is survived by a son, Bud Johnson, and daughter, Brenda Thompson; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Henry Johnson Sr:, her parents: all of her siblings, Pauline, Joseph, Bennie Fallie, David, J. Hugh, William, Carl, Addie, Lamar and Ruby; one grandson, Jamie Thompson; her son-in-law, Bobby Thompson; and one great-great granddaughter, Mary James.
She worked her entire life caring for her family and making sure we were all safe. Whether farming, running a country store, running the Western Auto in Manning or being just being grandmother -- she gave it all 100 percent. And she was the boss!
She was a strong, smart woman who was always like a second mom to me. Growing up, it was always easy to get permission from Mom and Dad if we wanted to go anywhere or do anything. But then, we'd have to get the OK from Mama -- and that was tough most of the time.
Mama knew her way around a kitchen like no one else! She would make the best Sunday dinners in the world. She would even fry chicken livers for me if I wanted them -- even though they splattered and popped and were aggravating to prepare. And they were the best you would ever taste. And she'd top off the meal with the world's best red velvet or caramel cake. I was reminded today how much someone loved her banana pudding.
Of course, being such good cook, it was almost impossible to get her to eat out anywhere. It was never as good as her cooking and she thought everything cost too much. Really, the only restaurant she wanted to eat was Wendy's. And, since she's the boss, we ate at Wendy's. Except that one time I tried to get her to eat at Moe's -- that's a long story, but I learned my lesson. Take Mama to Wendy's!
If you were sick, she'd pull out her big medical encyclopedia and give you a diagnosis. I think it was Annie Cook or maybe Aunt Addie that started calling her "Dr. Ruth." She often cut any prescription pills in half because she either didn't think she needed that much medicine or was trying to save money, I don't know. But she told me the doctor one time told her, he didn't know why he'd tell her to do anything because she was going to do her own thing anyway. She was the boss!
But, of course, she loved us and was always telling us to be careful. "Don't drive too fast," she would say. "Better late than never." We always had to call her when we got home. She wanted to know we were safe and not in a ditch somewhere.
We never had to worry. Mama did all the worrying for us. And most of the talking, too! She could tell us stories over and over about growing up in "The Corner" or about the time she wrote a bad word on the blackboard in school and had to stay in during recess!
She was amazing. Even in her late 90s she would be in the yard cutting grass with her riding lawn mower. She would rake her yard and keep it leaf- and pine cone-free. Her yard and house were kept immaculate and clean even when she was past 100. She was such a strong woman!
She credited her long life to drinking milk and praying every day.
She loved it when you asked her "How are you doing?" so she could reply "I'm doing, but I don't know how." After she passed the age of 100, she said she was starting over at age one. So today, she'd tell you she was only 3.
There are so many stories about her, I could go on forever -- and, in a way, we all thought she would live forever, too.
But her life spanned 103 years, 9 months and 10 days, and she loved us every single day. We knew this day would come, but it hurts.
I know we've thanked you for all of the many things and gifts you've given us, but I realized I never thanked you for the best gift you ever gave me.... and that's my Mom. So thank you Mama -- and don't worry -- Sandra and I will take care of Mom now.
And Mama, call us when you get home…
Born April 20, 1917, in New Zion, she was a daughter of the late David Christopher Cantey and the late Janie Baker Cantey. She was a member of Manning United Methodist Church and she attended Manning First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, James Henry "Bud" Johnson, Jr. (Bettye); her daughter, Brenda Ruth Johnson Thompson, both of Manning; six grandchildren, James Henry "Hank" Johnson III (Kay) of Mt. Pleasant, Pamela Ruth Johnson James (Johnny) of Manning, Sandra Kaye Thompson Arrants (Rocky) of Pensacola, FL, Tammye Johnson Tidwell (Kenny) of Manning, William Robert "Rob" Thompson III and David Christopher "Chris" Johnson, both of Columbia; nine great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, James Hugh "Jamie" Thompson; a son-in-law, William Robert "Bobby" Thompson, Jr.; a great-great granddaughter, Mary James; and ten siblings.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Clarendon Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dr. Phillip Reynolds officiating.
Memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102, or to Manning First Baptist Church, 49 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
Eulogy read by Grandson Rob Thompson at her funeral:
There will never be another Ruth C. Johnson. My grandmother whom we all called Mama (pronounced meh-meh) was a handful.
She was born on April 20, 1917, in Williamsburg County. She and her twin sister, Ruby Cantey Baker, were the youngest of 11 children of the late David and Janie Cantey.
Mama is survived by a son, Bud Johnson, and daughter, Brenda Thompson; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Henry Johnson Sr:, her parents: all of her siblings, Pauline, Joseph, Bennie Fallie, David, J. Hugh, William, Carl, Addie, Lamar and Ruby; one grandson, Jamie Thompson; her son-in-law, Bobby Thompson; and one great-great granddaughter, Mary James.
She worked her entire life caring for her family and making sure we were all safe. Whether farming, running a country store, running the Western Auto in Manning or being just being grandmother -- she gave it all 100 percent. And she was the boss!
She was a strong, smart woman who was always like a second mom to me. Growing up, it was always easy to get permission from Mom and Dad if we wanted to go anywhere or do anything. But then, we'd have to get the OK from Mama -- and that was tough most of the time.
Mama knew her way around a kitchen like no one else! She would make the best Sunday dinners in the world. She would even fry chicken livers for me if I wanted them -- even though they splattered and popped and were aggravating to prepare. And they were the best you would ever taste. And she'd top off the meal with the world's best red velvet or caramel cake. I was reminded today how much someone loved her banana pudding.
Of course, being such good cook, it was almost impossible to get her to eat out anywhere. It was never as good as her cooking and she thought everything cost too much. Really, the only restaurant she wanted to eat was Wendy's. And, since she's the boss, we ate at Wendy's. Except that one time I tried to get her to eat at Moe's -- that's a long story, but I learned my lesson. Take Mama to Wendy's!
If you were sick, she'd pull out her big medical encyclopedia and give you a diagnosis. I think it was Annie Cook or maybe Aunt Addie that started calling her "Dr. Ruth." She often cut any prescription pills in half because she either didn't think she needed that much medicine or was trying to save money, I don't know. But she told me the doctor one time told her, he didn't know why he'd tell her to do anything because she was going to do her own thing anyway. She was the boss!
But, of course, she loved us and was always telling us to be careful. "Don't drive too fast," she would say. "Better late than never." We always had to call her when we got home. She wanted to know we were safe and not in a ditch somewhere.
We never had to worry. Mama did all the worrying for us. And most of the talking, too! She could tell us stories over and over about growing up in "The Corner" or about the time she wrote a bad word on the blackboard in school and had to stay in during recess!
She was amazing. Even in her late 90s she would be in the yard cutting grass with her riding lawn mower. She would rake her yard and keep it leaf- and pine cone-free. Her yard and house were kept immaculate and clean even when she was past 100. She was such a strong woman!
She credited her long life to drinking milk and praying every day.
She loved it when you asked her "How are you doing?" so she could reply "I'm doing, but I don't know how." After she passed the age of 100, she said she was starting over at age one. So today, she'd tell you she was only 3.
There are so many stories about her, I could go on forever -- and, in a way, we all thought she would live forever, too.
But her life spanned 103 years, 9 months and 10 days, and she loved us every single day. We knew this day would come, but it hurts.
I know we've thanked you for all of the many things and gifts you've given us, but I realized I never thanked you for the best gift you ever gave me.... and that's my Mom. So thank you Mama -- and don't worry -- Sandra and I will take care of Mom now.
And Mama, call us when you get home…
MANNING – Ruth Cantey Johnson, 103, widow of James Henry Johnson, Sr., passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at her home.
Born April 20, 1917, in New Zion, she was a daughter of the late David Christopher Cantey and the late Janie Baker Cantey. She was a member of Manning United Methodist Church and she attended Manning First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, James Henry "Bud" Johnson, Jr. (Bettye); her daughter, Brenda Ruth Johnson Thompson, both of Manning; six grandchildren, James Henry "Hank" Johnson III (Kay) of Mt. Pleasant, Pamela Ruth Johnson James (Johnny) of Manning, Sandra Kaye Thompson Arrants (Rocky) of Pensacola, FL, Tammye Johnson Tidwell (Kenny) of Manning, William Robert "Rob" Thompson III and David Christopher "Chris" Johnson, both of Columbia; nine great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, James Hugh "Jamie" Thompson; a son-in-law, William Robert "Bobby" Thompson, Jr.; a great-great granddaughter, Mary James; and ten siblings.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Clarendon Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dr. Phillip Reynolds officiating.
Memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102, or to Manning First Baptist Church, 49 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
Eulogy read by Grandson Rob Thompson at her funeral:
There will never be another Ruth C. Johnson. My grandmother whom we all called Mama (pronounced meh-meh) was a handful.
She was born on April 20, 1917, in Williamsburg County. She and her twin sister, Ruby Cantey Baker, were the youngest of 11 children of the late David and Janie Cantey.
Mama is survived by a son, Bud Johnson, and daughter, Brenda Thompson; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Henry Johnson Sr:, her parents: all of her siblings, Pauline, Joseph, Bennie Fallie, David, J. Hugh, William, Carl, Addie, Lamar and Ruby; one grandson, Jamie Thompson; her son-in-law, Bobby Thompson; and one great-great granddaughter, Mary James.
She worked her entire life caring for her family and making sure we were all safe. Whether farming, running a country store, running the Western Auto in Manning or being just being grandmother -- she gave it all 100 percent. And she was the boss!
She was a strong, smart woman who was always like a second mom to me. Growing up, it was always easy to get permission from Mom and Dad if we wanted to go anywhere or do anything. But then, we'd have to get the OK from Mama -- and that was tough most of the time.
Mama knew her way around a kitchen like no one else! She would make the best Sunday dinners in the world. She would even fry chicken livers for me if I wanted them -- even though they splattered and popped and were aggravating to prepare. And they were the best you would ever taste. And she'd top off the meal with the world's best red velvet or caramel cake. I was reminded today how much someone loved her banana pudding.
Of course, being such good cook, it was almost impossible to get her to eat out anywhere. It was never as good as her cooking and she thought everything cost too much. Really, the only restaurant she wanted to eat was Wendy's. And, since she's the boss, we ate at Wendy's. Except that one time I tried to get her to eat at Moe's -- that's a long story, but I learned my lesson. Take Mama to Wendy's!
If you were sick, she'd pull out her big medical encyclopedia and give you a diagnosis. I think it was Annie Cook or maybe Aunt Addie that started calling her "Dr. Ruth." She often cut any prescription pills in half because she either didn't think she needed that much medicine or was trying to save money, I don't know. But she told me the doctor one time told her, he didn't know why he'd tell her to do anything because she was going to do her own thing anyway. She was the boss!
But, of course, she loved us and was always telling us to be careful. "Don't drive too fast," she would say. "Better late than never." We always had to call her when we got home. She wanted to know we were safe and not in a ditch somewhere.
We never had to worry. Mama did all the worrying for us. And most of the talking, too! She could tell us stories over and over about growing up in "The Corner" or about the time she wrote a bad word on the blackboard in school and had to stay in during recess!
She was amazing. Even in her late 90s she would be in the yard cutting grass with her riding lawn mower. She would rake her yard and keep it leaf- and pine cone-free. Her yard and house were kept immaculate and clean even when she was past 100. She was such a strong woman!
She credited her long life to drinking milk and praying every day.
She loved it when you asked her "How are you doing?" so she could reply "I'm doing, but I don't know how." After she passed the age of 100, she said she was starting over at age one. So today, she'd tell you she was only 3.
There are so many stories about her, I could go on forever -- and, in a way, we all thought she would live forever, too.
But her life spanned 103 years, 9 months and 10 days, and she loved us every single day. We knew this day would come, but it hurts.
I know we've thanked you for all of the many things and gifts you've given us, but I realized I never thanked you for the best gift you ever gave me.... and that's my Mom. So thank you Mama -- and don't worry -- Sandra and I will take care of Mom now.
And Mama, call us when you get home…
Born April 20, 1917, in New Zion, she was a daughter of the late David Christopher Cantey and the late Janie Baker Cantey. She was a member of Manning United Methodist Church and she attended Manning First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, James Henry "Bud" Johnson, Jr. (Bettye); her daughter, Brenda Ruth Johnson Thompson, both of Manning; six grandchildren, James Henry "Hank" Johnson III (Kay) of Mt. Pleasant, Pamela Ruth Johnson James (Johnny) of Manning, Sandra Kaye Thompson Arrants (Rocky) of Pensacola, FL, Tammye Johnson Tidwell (Kenny) of Manning, William Robert "Rob" Thompson III and David Christopher "Chris" Johnson, both of Columbia; nine great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, James Hugh "Jamie" Thompson; a son-in-law, William Robert "Bobby" Thompson, Jr.; a great-great granddaughter, Mary James; and ten siblings.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Clarendon Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dr. Phillip Reynolds officiating.
Memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102, or to Manning First Baptist Church, 49 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
Eulogy read by Grandson Rob Thompson at her funeral:
There will never be another Ruth C. Johnson. My grandmother whom we all called Mama (pronounced meh-meh) was a handful.
She was born on April 20, 1917, in Williamsburg County. She and her twin sister, Ruby Cantey Baker, were the youngest of 11 children of the late David and Janie Cantey.
Mama is survived by a son, Bud Johnson, and daughter, Brenda Thompson; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Henry Johnson Sr:, her parents: all of her siblings, Pauline, Joseph, Bennie Fallie, David, J. Hugh, William, Carl, Addie, Lamar and Ruby; one grandson, Jamie Thompson; her son-in-law, Bobby Thompson; and one great-great granddaughter, Mary James.
She worked her entire life caring for her family and making sure we were all safe. Whether farming, running a country store, running the Western Auto in Manning or being just being grandmother -- she gave it all 100 percent. And she was the boss!
She was a strong, smart woman who was always like a second mom to me. Growing up, it was always easy to get permission from Mom and Dad if we wanted to go anywhere or do anything. But then, we'd have to get the OK from Mama -- and that was tough most of the time.
Mama knew her way around a kitchen like no one else! She would make the best Sunday dinners in the world. She would even fry chicken livers for me if I wanted them -- even though they splattered and popped and were aggravating to prepare. And they were the best you would ever taste. And she'd top off the meal with the world's best red velvet or caramel cake. I was reminded today how much someone loved her banana pudding.
Of course, being such good cook, it was almost impossible to get her to eat out anywhere. It was never as good as her cooking and she thought everything cost too much. Really, the only restaurant she wanted to eat was Wendy's. And, since she's the boss, we ate at Wendy's. Except that one time I tried to get her to eat at Moe's -- that's a long story, but I learned my lesson. Take Mama to Wendy's!
If you were sick, she'd pull out her big medical encyclopedia and give you a diagnosis. I think it was Annie Cook or maybe Aunt Addie that started calling her "Dr. Ruth." She often cut any prescription pills in half because she either didn't think she needed that much medicine or was trying to save money, I don't know. But she told me the doctor one time told her, he didn't know why he'd tell her to do anything because she was going to do her own thing anyway. She was the boss!
But, of course, she loved us and was always telling us to be careful. "Don't drive too fast," she would say. "Better late than never." We always had to call her when we got home. She wanted to know we were safe and not in a ditch somewhere.
We never had to worry. Mama did all the worrying for us. And most of the talking, too! She could tell us stories over and over about growing up in "The Corner" or about the time she wrote a bad word on the blackboard in school and had to stay in during recess!
She was amazing. Even in her late 90s she would be in the yard cutting grass with her riding lawn mower. She would rake her yard and keep it leaf- and pine cone-free. Her yard and house were kept immaculate and clean even when she was past 100. She was such a strong woman!
She credited her long life to drinking milk and praying every day.
She loved it when you asked her "How are you doing?" so she could reply "I'm doing, but I don't know how." After she passed the age of 100, she said she was starting over at age one. So today, she'd tell you she was only 3.
There are so many stories about her, I could go on forever -- and, in a way, we all thought she would live forever, too.
But her life spanned 103 years, 9 months and 10 days, and she loved us every single day. We knew this day would come, but it hurts.
I know we've thanked you for all of the many things and gifts you've given us, but I realized I never thanked you for the best gift you ever gave me.... and that's my Mom. So thank you Mama -- and don't worry -- Sandra and I will take care of Mom now.
And Mama, call us when you get home…
