Dr. Regina Mooney Johnson

On July 16, 1953, Regina Mooney was born in Madison, Arkansas, "Lakeside", to parents William and Extra Boyd Mooney, as the seventh of their children. At a young age, she accepted Christ at Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church, where her family was nurtured in Christian values. Regina later joined Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist where she remained faithful until her health began to decline. She received her education within the Forrest City School District, graduating in 1971. Following high school, she furthered her education on scholarship at Southwestern Christian College. After completing some coursework there, she returned home to Forrest City, Arkansas, to attend The Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute (CRTI), earning her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), and commenced working in the field of nursing while continuing her education at East Arkansas Community College (EACC) to earn her associate's degree. Thereafter, she attended Arkansas State University, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in special education, as well as accumulating numerous hours toward her specialist degree. She taught in the Forrest City, Hughes, and Earle School Districts and was among the first educators at Piney Ridge Center, now known as WoodRidge of Forrest City. Through her unwavering commitment, she educated numerous individuals, thereby providing their children with opportunities they themselves had never had. Her children and grandchildren vividly recall being read to and assisted with their school and biblical lessons. Her commitment to education was unwavering, and she impressed its significance upon everyone in her household. Following a considerable break, she resumed her academic pursuits at Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida, ultimately earning a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling. Her distinguished career comprised over 50 years of service in nursing, over 30 years in education, and a lifelong dedication to sharing Christian values with others. On April 14, 1974, she married Lanell Johnson, the love of her life, in a ceremony led by Reverend C. Clayborn. Their union was blessed with the birth of three daughters: Renita, Nicole, and NaTasha. Her primary source of happiness was her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She felt extremely fortunate to have a loving and supportive family. In her free time, she enjoyed activities such as cooking, sewing, and fishing. Dr. Regina Mooney Johnson's greatest delight and source of pride was being a mother to her three children. She was very blessed to experience and have a loving relationship with her nine grandchildren and her two great-grandchildren. She prayed that her kind of love will continue to be passed down throughout the present generations and future generations to come. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Mooney and Extra Boyd Mooney; siblings, Barbara Mooney, Willie E. Mooney, Diane Mooney Kilgore, Datharene Mooney Jackson, Dorothy Mooney McKoy, Willie C. Mooney, James David Mooney, and Melvin A. Mooney. She is survived by her children, Renita Johnson, Nicole Johnson, and NaTasha Johnson; nine grandchildren, NaKasha McKnight, Jaylin Johnson, JeKylin Walker, Montrel Walker, Asia Walker, Jerome Jones, Jr., Tyree Jones, Nahyani Blackwell, and Na’Harri Blackwell; two greatgrandchildren, Nymein and Royce Mathis; siblings, William Mooney, Jr., Bob Mooney (Carolyn), Edward Mooney (Sopiah), Doris Mooney Cochran (George), Rena Mooney Humphrey (James), Sarah Mooney Fryer (Theartice), Zelma Mooney Miller (Gary), Evelyn Mooney Washington (Charles), Frankie Webber (David); two uncles; Allious Boyd and Avery Boyd; and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dr. Regina Mooney Johnson

July 16, 1953 - February 13, 2025