Mildred Hancock Johnson

Mildred Marie Johnson passed away at age 99 on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in her home in Gulfport, MS, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Richton, MS, on October 3, 1924, she was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis Dewey and Alice Mildred Hancock.  She was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of 53 years, Robert Lloyd Johnson, Sr; her daughter, Beverly Johnson; and brothers, C.D. Hancock, James Hancock, Joe Hancock, and Don Hancock; and her son-in-law, Mike Severson.

She is survived by her 3 children, Jennifer (Eddie) Brewer, Becky Severson, and Bobby (Cheryl) Johnson; her sister, Betty Lou Holder; and her brother, Philip Hancock.  Mildred was the loving grandmother or “Nanny” of Sarah (John) Haman, Frank Szymanski, Rob Johnson, Zack Johnson, and Cody Blanton.  She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Parker, Alaina, and Chailynn; and step-great-grandchildren: Tripp, Isabella, Hunter, Forrest, Fischer, Brooke, Brees, Lindsey, and Rachel.  She left behind many nieces and nephews who knew her affectionally as “Aunt Biddie Bee.”

Mildred was raised just outside of Poplarville, MS where she lived until her family moved to Waveland, MS and later to Long Beach, MS. She married Robert “Bob” Johnson on December 1, 1944 in Norfolk, VA where he was stationed in the Navy before going overseas. She was a kind and caring person, always ready to lend a hand to any family member or friend. She wore many hats throughout her lifetime: farmer’s daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She stayed busy with school events and functions during the years that her husband, Bob, was Dean at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MGCCC in Jackson County, and also when he was Dean and then President of Gulf Park College for Women in Long Beach.

As an entrepreneur, she owned and operated Collegiate Hair Stylists in Long Beach for several years. Later in life, she was a Social Worker at Head Start in Gulfport until she retired in 1986. In her spare time, Mildred was an avid gardener who always had a green thumb. She loved being in the yard and gardening as often as she could.  The one word that best describes Mildred is “mother.” She devoted her life to her children, who were still her ”kids” until the day she passed, even though they are now collecting Social Security. She loved her children unconditionally and would do anything for them.  They will love her and miss her forever. 

The family of Mildred Johnson would like to thank SAAD’s Healthcare, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, and Gentiva Hospice for the loving care they provided. 

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 10 – 11 am at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. The funeral service will be at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Long Beach City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital or The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com