OWENSBORO – Elizabeth Moorman Fitts Johnson, 90, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully at her residence Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
Born January 20, 1935, in Daviess County, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Wilfred T. and Kathryn E. Fitts. A 1953 graduate of Owensboro High School, she went on to attend Baylor University in Waco, Tex., where she met her future husband, Reuben Johnson of Crisp County, Ga.. In March 1957, Elizabeth joyfully received what she lovingly called her “MRS degree” when she married Reuben, fulfilling her mother’s prayer that she would marry a minister.
For the next 45 years, Elizabeth walked faithfully alongside her husband in his pastoral ministry, serving churches across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. She balanced grace, strength, and humor while raising their four children during many moves, always creating a warm and welcoming home for both family and congregation.
Later in life, Elizabeth returned to college and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Elementary Education from Brescia University—fulfilling a long-held personal goal and continuing her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. She worked as a substitute teacher and also served as a reading tutor in an adult literacy program, always believing in the power of education at any age.
Her legacy of service extended far beyond the classroom. Elizabeth was a devoted Sunday School teacher, a volunteer at the RiverPark Center and hospital gift shop, and a steadfast presence in her community. She played piano with joy. She enjoyed sewing, fishing, and trips to the family farm. Elizabeth could never turn down a good game of Chinese Checkers with her grandchildren.
Elizabeth believed deeply in equality and in living a life of quiet, unwavering faith. Her love for children, her commitment to family, and her servant’s heart touched countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Reuben Johnson, and by her only sister, Annie Kathryn Pullum.
Survivors include her four children: Beth Murphy of Chattanooga, Tenn., James (Carol) Johnson of Moorman, Carolyn Johnson of Owensboro, and Sam Johnson of Memphis, Tenn; proud grandmother of ten: Amy (Kenneth) Macpherson of Fairbanks, Alaska, Danielle (Patrick) McNeely of Chattanooga, Tenn., Jordan (Rebeccah) Murphy of Owensboro, Samantha Johnson of Ripley, Tenn. Ian Johnson of Memphis, Tenn., Chelsey Selheimer of Memphis, Tenn., Bryce (Ekatarini) Margle of Utica, Emme (Nate) Taylor of Oahu, Hawaii and Peyton, Nate, and Andy Johnson of Moorman, Elizabeth was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Goodfellows Club, continuing Elizabeth’s lifelong dedication to supporting the well-being of children in her community.
Her life was a testimony of love, faith, and quiet strength. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home. Burial followed in Moorman Family Cemetery.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.davisfuneralhome.com.
