Virginia Harriet Smith Johns, our beloved mother, departed this life on March 27, 2015, at the age of 95. She was born on December 8, 1919 in Richfield, Utah to Orson and Elsie Farrer Smith, the second of five children.
Virginia graduated from Jordan High School in 1937, and from the University of Utah in 1941, with a BA in Foods and Nutrition. She was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple to Richard E. Johns Sr. on June 11, 1942, during a time when Richard was attending medical school at Temple University in Philadelphia. Virginia used her educational skills providing for the couple for a period of time while Richard was in school. Their first child, Richard E. Johns Jr., was born while in Philadelphia. After graduation, the small family returned to Salt Lake, where Richard completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the LDS Hospital. Their family continued to grow, with the births of Dianne, Craig, Stephen, Todd and Julieanne. Another son, David was born prematurely in May, 1955 but lived for only a short time.
During the important years of raising a large family, Virginia was actively involved in the lives of all her precious children. She also held Church positions during this time which included serving as Ward Primary President, serving in the Stake Primary Presidency and numerous other callings. She also served a term as the President of the Bonneville Elementary School PTA. As busy as her life was, she was always available when her children returned home from school to provide comfort when needed or to rejoice over their accomplishments. She gently guided and directed their lives along the Gospel path, and was able to see all of her sons serve honorable missions. All of her children graduated from college with advanced degrees and all were sealed to eternal companions. She and her husband, Richard, also served a leadership mission for the Church in the Liberty Stake in Salt Lake City.
During the later years of her life, when it became physically difficult, she was still determined to attend Church meetings and serve in the Church. As her health waned, and the effects of age took their toll, when asked how she was, she would reply. "Well, tomorrow will be better." Mother, your tomorrow has come, and the rewards of your faith and diligence are bringing you the joy and peace that you so faithfully have earned with those of your loved ones who have also passed on to their reward.
Virginia was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Richard, her daughter Julieanne Johns Asay, her oldest son, Richard Jr., her son David, and a son-in-law Robert Amott. Surviving her are: Marianne Johns (Richard, deceased) Dianne Johns Amott (Robert, deceased), Michael Craig (Becky), Stephen Smith (Sue), and Thomas Todd (Sheila), nineteen grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 12:00 PM at the Monument Park Stake Center located at 1320 South Wasatch Dr. Salt Lake City. Family and friends may call Wednesday from 6 ‚ 8 PM at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary located at 2350 East 1300 South or from 10:30 ‚ 11:30 AM at the Stake Center prior to the Funeral Services. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
