Audra Jean Johnson

Audra Jean Johnson, daughter of the late Hue Thornsberry and Phyllis Geneva (Long) Thornsberry, was born November 21, 1938 in Crocker, Missouri. At an early age, Audra made an important decision in her life and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She became a member of First Baptist Church of Richland where she was a faithful member. Audra grew up in rural Richland and graduated from Richland High School. She continued her education by attending Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. Audra married the love of her life, Carl Loran Johnson, on June 7, 1954. They enjoyed over 66 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on December 12, 2020. One of the highlights of their lives was the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary at the First Baptist Church in Richland, hosted by their family and friends. Audra always demonstrated a strong work ethic. She began her professional career at the tender age of 15 working at H. E. Warren and Sons. Her greatest community contribution was when she and Gordon Warren joined forces to bring health care to Richland and surrounding communities, which came to be known as Central Ozarks Medical Center. Audra’s top priority was patient access and quality of care. Audra served as executive director and executive fiscal officer during her 34 years of service, before retiring in 2015. On Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the age of 83, Audra went home to be with her Lord and be reunited with Carl. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters: Cheri Warner of Richland, MO and Marsha (Chuck) Smith of Waynesville, MO; her brother: Dr. Jerry Thornsberry (Linda) of Kansas City, MO; two sister’s-in-law: Norma Jean Johnson of Richland, MO and Bronda Thornsberry of Columbia, MO; a former sister-in-law: Carol Thornsberry of Springfield, MO; seven nephews: Jerry Lynn (Laura) Downing of Richland, MO; Brad (Jamie) Thornsberry of Columbia, MO; Doug Thornsberry of Springfield, MO; Jay Thornsberry of Kansas City, MO; Brad Smith of Richland, MO; Kevin (Lisa) Miller of Clinton, MO; Gerald Robert Johnson of Richland, MO; four nieces: Kim (Mark) Stepp of Advance, MO; Karen Meeks of Springfield, MO; Heather (Michael) Woodring of Ozark, MO; Tammy Miller of Appleton City, MO; other relatives and a host of many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Audra was preceded in death by two brothers: Terry Lynn Thornsberry and Larry Wayne Thornsberry; one sister: Shirley Miller; three brother’s-in-law: Bob Warner, Roy Miller, and Robert Johnson; three nephews: Bob Meeks, Jeffrey Miller and Randy Miller. Even though Audra is gone from our sight, her faithful and hospitable spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in First Baptist Church of Richland. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery in Richland, under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. in the Church. Contributions in memory of Audra Johnson can be made to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, and can be made and left at the funeral home.

Audra Jean Johnson

November 21, 1938 - March 23, 2022