Myrna Darlene Johnson, 88, of Eureka, formerly of Sullivan, died March 17, 2026, at her home. A few weeks after graduating from Benjamin Bosse High School, Mrs. Johnson married her high school sweetheart, Jerry. After starting a family, they moved to Kansas City following her husband’s time in the Air Force. She balanced her roles as a bookkeeper and secretary for the IRS while supporting her husband’s call to the ministry as he attended college and seminary. In 1977, the family moved to Sullivan, where Jerry became the pastor at Grace United Methodist Church. Her involvement in the church and community deepened as she became a clerk at the Social Security Office in Union. Her devotion to family and her faith strengthened as they lived in various places across Missouri, including Eureka, Houston and Paris, before finally settling back in Sullivan in 1997. She participated in each church they served, was known for her soprano voice, which was a staple in church choirs, and was involved as a state officer in the Missouri United Methodist Women’s Organization. She could often be seen supporting her children from the sidelines, the stands, and the audience, attending many basketball, football, plays and concerts. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and, more recently, her great-grandchildren, who called her "GG." She loved their energy and watching them play miniature golf. She had a fondness for dogs, and she particularly loved having Bader lay his head on her lap. She also enjoyed keeping up with the world by reading the St. Louis newspaper cover to cover each day. Born Nov. 27, 1937, in Evansville, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Harold and Florence (Scales) Erdman.
She was preceded in death by her husband: the Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Johnson, whom she married on July 8, 1955.
She is survived by three children: Michele (Douglas) Rodgers of Sullivan, Todd (Vicki) Johnson of Hillsboro and Chad (Rebecca) Johnson of Sullivan; six grandchildren: Samantha Rodgers and Brendan Rodgers, both of Branson, Katelyn (Kyle) Forthaus of Oakville, Nathaniel (Abby) Johnson of St. Peters and Ethan Johnson and Raegan Johnson, both of Sullivan; two great-grandchildren: S.J. and Bailey; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
She also was preceded in death by a grandson: Andrew Johnson; and a sister: Diana Kouts.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at noon Saturday, March 21, at Grace United Methodist Church, 952 N. Church St., in Sullivan, officiated by the Rev. Steve Williams and the Rev. Susan Youmans. Burial will be in Champion City Cemetery in Leslie. Memorials may be made to the Backpack Snacks program at Grace United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.