Jerry Haskell Johnson

OKLAHOMA CITY - Jerry Haskell Johnson was born on October 31, 1946, in Hartshorne, Okla., to Haskell “Hack” and Lottie Wilcox Johnson. He passed from this life on September 4, 2021, in Oklahoma City after a valiant five-year battle against a variety of health issues resulting from cancer.

A graduate of Hartshorne High School, Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, Okla., and East Central State University in Ada, Okla., he majored in elementary education.

His first education position was teaching English as a second language to Navajo students on a reservation in Arizona. Following that tenure, he taught fourth grade in a self-contained classroom at Hartshorne Elementary School.

Jerry was born to become a teacher and dearly loved his students. He left the classroom in 1986 only for the opportunity to work for the Oklahoma Education Association, where he could advocate for the improvement of public education for all Oklahoma students and educators.

His first position at OEA was as a UniServ Director, providing support to teachers and education support professionals in southeast Oklahoma, his native territory. He then became a lobbyist in OEA’s Legislative and Political Organizing Center. His efforts to help ensure the passage of House Bill 1017 in 1990 that resulted in the allocation of more than $560 million over 5 years for the implementation of a variety of reforms including reduced class sizes was one of his proudest endeavors.

Jerry was a true union brother to his colleagues, serving as a mentor and sharing skills, sound advice, and a sturdy shoulder to lean on in difficult times.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy; two stepsons, Wayne Shuller and wife Crystal of Norman and Drew Shuller of Honduras; granddaughter, Marta Prieto and Ralston Hailey of Seminole, grandson, José “Bubba” Prieto of Barksdale AFB, granddaughter Gabby Prieto of Norman, granddaughter Rubi Shuller of Honduras and great grandson Rory Hailey of Seminole; sister Johnnye Potter and Jack of Tulsa; brother Frank Johnson of Granbury, Texas; a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Persons who wish to honor Jerry may make contributions in his memory to Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, 3901 NW 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73316 or online at: https://my.simplegive.com/app/giving/MAYFLOWERConv

There is no memorial service planned for the present time