Etta "Valez" Johnson, 79, of Sparta, passed away June 29, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born Oct. 15, 1942, in Sparta, the daughter of George and Lena Johnson.
Val was a prolific songwriter, having many number one hits recorded by major Southern Gospel groups. She loved to sing about her Lord, and she was in various Southern Gospel groups over the years that saw many people come to know Jesus as their Savior. She loved people and always had a smiling face anytime anyone saw her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Johnson; son, Rickey Johnson; granddaughter, Amanda Johnson; and three brothers, George Johnson, Dillard Johnson, and James Johnson.
Survivors include her daughter, Christy Judd (Tim); grandson, Brandon Johnson; granddaughters, Michelle Walker (Clint), Kerrie Stone (Chris); four great-grandchildren, Ava Johnson, Madilyn Walker, Cameron Walker, Lena Young; four sisters, Elega Hobbs, Vonda Jones, June Springer, Sherry Johnson; daughter-in-law, Debbie Johnson; and special niece and caregiver, Lisa England.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., July 2, 2022, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Plainview Cemetery, in the Cassville community. Clint Walker will officiate. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., July 1, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jared McCullough, Josh England, Trenton Kelsey, Brandon Johnson, Chris Stone, and Cameron Howard.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
