Sonja Schmitt Johnson, 81, of Columbia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, January 9, 2017. Born in Miesenbach, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Hermann and Helene Geib Schmitt. Mrs. Johnson was a dedicated member of Jackson Creek Baptist Church for 50 years, where she taught 1st and 2nd grade Sunday school as well as serving as church treasurer. For many years she was also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her children, Bill Johnson (Brenda), Elbert "Bert" Johnson (Angie), Hermann Johnson (Deborah Lechner), and Mary Wilcox (Richie Wortman); grandchildren, Chris Strickland (Tasha), Matthew Strickland (Karmen), Travis Nance (Stacia), Josh Nance (Miranda), William "BJ" Broxton (Angie), Shane Johnson (Morgan), Elbert Johnson Jr., Krystal Johnson, Candace Brazell, Cody Lee Johnson, Rachel Marie Wilcox, Brian Wilcox Jr. (Courtney); greatgrandchildren, Charity, Tyler, Alexe, Charlee, Maybree, Ashton, Brantley, Courtney, Conner, Matthew, Skylar, Willow, River, Arabella, Scott Jr., Lacey, Hannah, Leigh, Isaak, Blake, Taygan; a sister, Gretel Schmitt; and niece, Heidi Schmalenberger; great-nephew, Heiko. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lee Johnson; and two daughters, Patricia Coffee and Nandel Nance.

The funeral service for Mrs. Johnson will be held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, January 14th, at Jackson Creek Baptist Church, 7778 Two Notch Road, Columbia, with interment following in the church cemetery. Dr. Walter Mack Burriss and Pastor John Mower will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Friday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia. Memorials may be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation 2600 Network Blvd #300, Frisco, TX 75034 or donate.nationalbreastcancer.org.