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Her care for people was woven into everyday life.

Josephine Gwydline Johnson, lovingly known as “Jocie,” passed away on October 5, 2026, in Buckley, Washington, one day before her 97th birthday. She was born on October 6, 1929, in Cosmopolis, Washington. Jocie will be remembered as a loyal, spunky, feisty, and deeply loving woman whose family meant everything to her.

Jocie married Anton “Tony” Johnson of Kalama, Washington, and together they welcomed their daughter, Vicky. She devoted herself to her home as a stay-at-home mother, pouring her energy and heart into the people she loved. She was active in Rebekah, an international service-oriented organization, and gave generously of her time as a classroom mother and Brownie leader for Vicky’s Girl Scout troop. Her faith was central to her life, and she was active in her church and in senior citizens’ luncheons, where she could often be found in the kitchen cooking or helping serve others.

Her care for people was woven into everyday life. Jocie loved to bake and cook, and by family rule, there was “no one allowed in the kitchen!” She also enjoyed crocheting and crafts, and she found great purpose in comforting others. Helping those in need, serving through her church and senior citizens’ luncheons, and being an active member of Rebekah were among the accomplishments that reflected her generous spirit.

Jocie leaves behind a treasury of family memories. She was, as one loved one said, “always there for me.” Vicky remembered shopping trips to Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon, after orthodontist appointments, and the steady, loving presence of her mother as room mother in her grade school classroom year after year. Family reunions with the McKinney family, trips to Copalis Beach for clam digging and time together at Aunt Francis’s beach house, and cherished Easter and Thanksgiving gatherings at Jocie’s home became lasting gifts to those she loved. She made sure everyone’s favorite Swan Man ice cream was waiting for them, and her grandchildren fondly remembered her best chili and pot roast, along with the way she always made the “supper” of their choice when they came to visit. Many can still hear her calling out the window, “YOO-HOO, supper is ready,” summoning the grandkids and Papa to the table. She loved reading, gave good scratches while everyone relaxed and watched television, and was remembered as a fierce woman who loved Jesus.

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Many can still hear her calling out the window, 'YOO-HOO, supper is ready,' summoning the grandkids and Papa to the table.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Wavel Johnson-McKinney; her father, Jesse Ralph McKinney; her beloved husband, Anton “Tony” Johnson; and her sisters, Fedelina Hardman, Jessie McKinney, Rosemary Bown, and Shirley McKinney.

Jocie is survived by her daughter, Vicky Mast and her husband Bill; her brother, Jack McKinney and his wife Brenda; her grandchildren, Joshua Johnson and his wife Erika, and Megan Hawver and her husband Mitch; and her great-grandchildren, Blake Johnson, Maddie Hawver, and Luke Hawver. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Shannon, Michelle, Chris, Kristin, and Toby, along with the many family members and friends who were blessed by her loyalty, strength, and care.

A graveside service will be held on October 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Kalama IOOF Cemetery, Spencer Creek Road, Kalama, Washington 98626.

Jocie’s life was marked by service, fierce love, good food, strong faith, and a home that welcomed family again and again. She leaves behind enduring memories of warmth, laughter, and steadfast devotion that will continue to be treasured by all who knew her.