Gift J. Johnson Mrs. Gift Johnson, age 89, of Meridian passed away Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Anderson's Regional Medical Center. Gift was a graduate of Meridian High School where she was also a cheerleader. Upon graduation, she attended Mississippi State College for Women. She and her husband, John O'Neil Johnson, Sr, were the owners of Mississippi Beverage in Meridian and Hattiesburg, and John O'Neil Johnson Toyota. They were also local real estate developers. Gift was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother "granny", great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend. She was fiercely loyal and always put others before herself. She and her husband loved to travel the world and took several trips to Ireland to study their family genealogy. Being lifelong residents of Meridian, they were very active in their community. They were especially fond of The Meridian Community College Foundation. Survivors include: daughter, Susan Johnson Hicks and husband, Larry; Son, John O'Neil Johnson (Johnny); nine grandchildren: Lori Bullock, Larry Hicks Jr., Leslie Swilley, Lance Hicks, John O'Neil Johnson III (Neil), Nicholas Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Erin Smith and Caroline Johnson; thirteen great-grand children and one great-great- grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, John O'Neil Johnson, Sr.; son, Steven Michael Johnson; grandson, Ian Michael Johnson; brother, Roland Jackson and nephew Mike Jackson. The family request memorials are made to St. Patrick's School Fund or Meridian Community College Foundation. Pallbearers will be Larry Hicks Jr., Bobby Stephenson, Billy Wayne Sims, Lee Thornton, Johnny Pollman, and Alex Harris. Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com The funeral services for Gift Johnson will be Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's, with Father Francis Cosgrove officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery, with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5-7 pm at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.
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