Dr. William "Bill" Delaine Johnson

Dr. William "Bill" Delaine Johnson, 75, of Jonesboro, died Monday at St. Bernards Medical Center. Born in Qulin, Missouri, he lived primarily in Little Rock and Jonesboro. He had lived many other places, including Japan, during his career in the Navy and as an educator.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served as a weatherman and later as a test administrator for Federal Services for the U.S. Navy. Dr. Johnson received his B.S. in Education from Ouachita College, his Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, and his doctorate (Ed.D) from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. During his career in education he taught in Piggott and was the first counselor for the first alternative school in the state of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Later, he served as an Assistant Professor at Arkansas State University in the Counselor Education Department and was Director of Counseling for the State Department of Education in Little Rock. He was also a past member of the Rotary Clubs in West Little Rock and Jonesboro.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Ann Ross Wilson Johnson of Jonesboro; his step daughter, Marilyn Copeland and her husband, Ken, Jonesboro; step son Edward Scott Wilson and wife, Debby, Greensboro, North Carolina; his sisters, Nelda McComb, Piggott, Mary Jane Jack, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; grandchildren, Dr. Bryan Copeland, Drew Copeland, Connor Wilson, Claren Wilson; and great grandchildren, Addison Copeland, Hudson Copeland; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland & Izora Boswell Johnson; and brother, Bob Johnson.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating. A private family burial will follow with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be Wednesday 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.