Emma Joyce Russ Johnson was born on February 8, 1939, to the household of Rev. J. G. Russ and Irene McCullough Russ, bringing joy and companionship as a playmate for her eighteen-month-old sister, Wheirda. Affectionately called Joyce by her family, she accepted Christ at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in McNeil/Magnolia, Arkansas. She later attended Bethlehem Baptist Church, and after settling in Dallas, Texas, she united with Grace and Mercy Holy Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Brown and Rev. Freddy Aubrey. There, she
faithfully devoted her time and energy as an usher and as Financial Secretary until her health no longer allowed her to serve.

Emma Joyce began her education at McNeil Southside Elementary/High School and later transferred to Columbia Elementary/High School in Magnolia, Arkansas, where she and her brother, John, graduated with the Class of 1957. Following graduation, Joyce attended a School of Cosmetology in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Though she became a li�censed beautician, she chose to devote her gifts and talents to other callings,including being a loving wife and mother, a sales associate, and later an accountant. In 1974, she began her career with AAFES, where she worked faithfully until her retirement after 36 years of service.

On April 5, 1958, Emma Joyce became the bride of Booker T. Johnson, Sr., and relocated to Dallas, Texas. To this union, two children were born: Brenda Joyce and Booker T. Johnson, Jr. Joyce was a devoted stay-at-home mother until both of her children were in school. During that time, she also opened her home and heart to her father-in-law, brother-in-law, and, during the summer months, her brothers—all of whom could depend on her for home-cooked meals, warmth, and care.

Her home was a place of love, comfort, and fellowship. Friends and neighbors of her children were always welcomed, and her house became a safe and caring gathering place for many. Joyce's nurturing spirit was evident long before adulthood, as she naturally took responsibility for protecting and caring for her younger sisters and brothers in the family home.

Emma Joyce Johnson departed this life on March 16, 2026, and was reunited with her beloved husband, Booker T. Johnson, Sr.; her granddaughter, Brandy Hogg; her parents, Rev. J. G. Russ and Irene McCullough Russ; her brother, John Russ; her great-nephew, Marcus Russ; her sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Russ and Judy Russ; her brother-in-law, Elroy Cooper; and numerous other cherished family members who preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children, Brenda Joyce Johnson-Hogg and Booker T. (Dona) Johnson, Jr.; her grandchildren, Brittany Hogg and Trenton Johnson; three sisters, Wheirda Cooper of Magnolia, Arkansas, Ver�na (C.L.) Love of Inglewood, California, and Theodoris (Anthony) Canada of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two brothers, James C. Russ and Josephus Russ, both of Magnolia, Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Betty Grissom, Gloria Billingsley, and Ethel Russ; one aunt, Thelma Green of Detroit, Michigan, with whom Joyce shared the special distinction of a Febru�ary 8th birthday; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Emma Joyce Russ Johnson will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.