Rita Janette Fudge Johnson, born on July 27, 1949, in Evening Shade, Arkansas, was a beloved member of the Evening Shade community, where she cherished her roots. As the oldest granddaughter of two large families, the Fudge and Sharp families, she was cherished by everyone. The eldest daughter of Tom and Joyce Sharp Fudge, she graduated from Warren High School in 1967. Two years prior, Sam Johnson of Jersey Arkansas spotted her at the local Dairy Queen and was instantly smitten. He wrote her a letter and asked her on a date. In 1967 they married and were life partners for the next 57 years.
Rita supported Sam through his college years and his time in the Air Force. Together, they moved with their two sons, Jeff and Joe, to various Air Force bases all around the country, embodying the spirit of a true military family. Rita's dedication was evident in her active role in the military community, where she supported military personnel and their families throughout her 27 years of service. Her infectious smile greeted many returning from combat missions. She consoled family members who were lonely and/or were grieving and her contributions were so valued that some believed she deserved the rank of Colonel as much as Sam.
In addition to her military role, Rita had a distinguished 35-year career in the mortgage industry. Her adventurous spirit was evident in her experiences with the Thunderbirds, parachuting, firefighting with the Jersey Fire Department, serving as an Auxiliary Police member in Flower Mound, Texas, and excelling as a skilled deer hunter. Her fearless nature and ability to drive a five-speed vehicle across any terrain were among her many achievements.
Rita's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Sam Johnson; her sons, Jeffrey (Linda) and Joey (Stephanie) and seven grandchildren: Seth, Mari, Stephen, Savannah, Sean, Sam, and Molly; her sisters, Gwen Shankle and Kay Carraway. Rita’s only regret was not having more time with her grandchildren.
A loving, generous, and loyal friend, Rita Johnson inspired everyone who knew her with her warmth of spirit, big eyes, and a smile that lit up a room. She will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Three Oaks Hospice, 331 Melrose Drive, number 230, Richardson, Texas 75080.
A memorial service will be held on September 7, 2024 at 12 p.m. at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with a visitation starting at 11 a.m. She will be interred at North Little Rock Veterans Cemetery on September 9, 2024 at 9 a.m.
