Lawana Gale Johnson

Lawana Gale Johnson 77, of Tamaha passed away at her home on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026. She was born at Red Hill on June 19, 1948 to Roland and Alberta (Duncan) Smith. She grew up at Red Hill and attended Stigler public schools and later Keota Public Schools where she graduated. She continued her education at NSU and earned her bachelors in Education. She earned her Masters Degree from The University of Oklahoma in Education. She was married to Foster Johnson on May 22, 1975 and made their home together at Tamaha. She began her teaching career at McCurtain and taught at several schools including Clayton, Keota and two years in Texas. She returned home and taught at Porum Schools for several years before her last two positions at Ore City, Texas and Marshall, Texas until her retirement. Lawana was a devout Christian who was a long time member of Rock Ford Freewill Baptist Church. She loved playing the piano and singing at her church as well as traveling to play the piano and sing at other churches. Lawana dedicated her life to education and her family. She adored spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Foster Johnson of the home; her children, Shaye Lynn Burke and husband Tony of Tifton, Georgia, Tray Johnson and wife Jodi of Poteau, Kamye Johnson and partner Billy Farrier of Frisco, Texas, Roland Johnson and wife Cally of Star, OK; 10 grandchildren, Brynna, Jovia, Callen, Peytan, Kodye, Bruce III, Titan, Rocklyn, Ruby, and Rody on the way; one sister, Glenda Lee of Milwaukee, WI; one brother, Doyle Smith and wife, Joyce of Red Hill; brother in law, Artie Johnson and wife Debora of Garland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Alberta Smith. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the R.E. Shearwood Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jacob Oliver officiating. Pallbearers will be Keith Smith, Scotty Ward, Phil Hatridge, Bradley Dedmon, Billy Joe Long, Raymond Rhodes. Honorary pallbearers include Greg Flowers, Rick Williams, Rick Newby, Jim Neubauer, Billy McKinney, Artie Johnson, Doyle Smith. Burial will follow at Tamaha Cemetery under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.

Lawana Gale Johnson

June 19, 1948 - February 21, 2026