FAYETTEVILLE — It is with deep sorrow that the daughters of Fay Marie Stafford Johnson

of Fayetteville, Ark., announce her glorious passage to Heaven on October 5, 2023, at the age of 94 years. Fay Marie loved being a girl mom, the color pink, and calling the Hogs. She wore various hats during her lifetime, that of Mom, Mimi, Mrs. Johnson, and Fay May to friends. She leaves this world a much better place because of her gentle soul, quick wit, and unwavering loyalty to those who knew and loved her.

Fay Marie was born on June 7, 1929, to her late parents, John LaFayette ‘Fay’ and Miles Harper Stafford in Springdale, Ark., at the family home on Allen Street. She attended the Springdale school system, graduating as the valedictorian with the Springdale High School class of 1947. While attending the University of Arkansas, Fay Marie was a member and president of Delta Delta Delta sorority and selected the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.

Fay Marie was proud of her multi-generational ties to the early establishment of the Springdale, Ark., community. Her grandfather, John Pleasant Stafford, founded the former Springdale News in 1887 when he was only 18 years old. During college she worked there as many of the Stafford family did in the early years.

Fay Marie met the love of her life, Bob Johnson, in the spring of 1953 when she was driving between College Station and Houston with a friend. Bob had pulled over to help them with their car trouble and noticed Fay Marie in the passenger seat. The next day he called to find out Fay Marie’s name to ask her out. She liked to tell people that she moved to Houston after graduating from the University of Arkansas to find her “fortune.” Bob seemed to think that he was that fortune. They later married on May 16, 1954, at the First United Methodist Church, Springdale, Ark. Before Bob’s passing in July 2021, they had celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on May 16, 2021.

Fay Marie began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the Springdale Schools and later in a full-time capacity for 23 years. She was dearly loved by her students and her daughters continue to be stopped by her former students to hear a kind memory or story from being in her class. She was also an active member of Springdale PTA, PEO, and Beta Sigma Phi.

As a lifetime member of the Springdale First United Methodist Church, Fay Marie enjoyed volunteering as both a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. She sang in the adult choir, participated in the handbell choir and was a member of United Methodist Women. Fay Marie faithfully attended the Builder’s class where she created bulletin boards and was a song leader and pianist for the class. For many years, Fay Marie enjoyed serving alongside Bob as a greeter and usher.

Family gatherings, traveling with Bob on his work trips, spending time with grandchildren and supporting their activities were on the top of her list of favorites. She was from a generation of Southern women who formed and nurtured life-long friendships, with one achieving nine decades where memories were cherished and retold with great affection. Fay Marie had a special gift of making everyone around her feel welcome whether it was serving as a greeter at church, helping a student with their class work or reading to a grandchild.

Fay Marie is preceded in death by her parents; older brother, John Miles Stafford of Baton Rouge, La.; and younger sister, Mary Eleanor Stafford Truitt of Memphis, Tenn.

She is survived by daughters, Lorrie Cross of Springdale, Ark., Diane Christie of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Robin (Tom) Joseph of Springdale, Ark.; grandchildren, Sunny and Summer Cross of Fayetteville, Ark., Natalie (Jay Paul) Ramos of Oklahoma City, Okla., Johnson ‘J.D.’ David (Sabaria) Christie of Overland Park, Kansas, Mary Grace (Drew) DeLozier of Houston, Texas, Reid (Maggie) Joseph of Tyler, Texas, and Bethany (Zach) Wheeler of Burleson, Texas; nine great-grandchildren, including Ezra Hassell, Savannah, Lottie, Arden, and Emilia Christie, Thomas Reid, George, and Hank Joseph, and Rhett DeLozier.

Her daughters are certain their dad was waiting for Fay Marie when she approached the pearly gates. He had probably found a bench to patiently wait knowing she might take a little longer as she always had to go back to check if the iron was turned off.

A celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Springdale, Ark., on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. People wishing to honor Fay Marie’s commitment to family and community can send donations to the First United Methodist Church, Springdale, Ark., or a charity of their choice. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.