Nelson Johnson

Nelson Johnson, a native of Pine Prairie, LA and a long time resident of Prairieville died Monday, February 1, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family and his beloved bride of 72 years, Effie Vidrine Johnson, he was 93. He and Effie had just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary a few days before his death. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. Nelson was retired from Exxon Refinery and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 50 years, a Eucharistic minister and Usher at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a member of a Rosary Group and participated for many years in the Gonzales Jambalaya Cook offs. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and a mentor to his family and friends. He loved people and lived life to the fullest. He had a tremendous love for our Blessed Lady and attended daily mass with his wife for 35 years. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 5:30pm until 9pm at Ascension Funeral Home, 426 West New River St., Gonzales. Visitation on Thursday will begin at 9:30 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Prairieville. Rev. Eric Gyan will celebrate a mass of Christian burial at 11am. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park, Baton Rouge. Nelson had a tremendous affection and devotion for his family and friends and will be sadly missed by his four children Rowel Johnson and his wife Rose, Wanda Johnson Hidalgo and husband Jerry, Elaine Johnson LaHaye and husband Dennis and Kathy Johnson Bailey and her husband Tim. Grandchildren Robert Johnson, Eric Johnson, Lori Johnson Rutland, Elizabeth Johnson Kukura, Megan Bailey Bourgeois , Marcus Bailey, Tim Lavergne Scott Lavergne, Kevin Lavergne, Michelle Hidalgo Barton and Jeff Hidalgo, as well as 20 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adio and Octavia Johnson and his grandson Bradley Hidalgo. The family extends their sincere appreciation for the dedication and loving attention extended to Nelson and Effie by their caregivers Mickie Randall and Trudy Hebert and the wonderful staff of Hospice in His Care. www.ascensionfuneral.com.

Visitation

Ascension Funeral Home
426 West New River Street
Gonzales, LA  70737
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
5:30 pm until 9:00 pm

Service

Visitation

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
5208 Hwy 73
Prairieville, LA  70769
Thursday, February 4, 2010
9:30 am until 11am

Mass of Christian Burial

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
5208 Hwy 73
Prairieville, LA  70769
Thursday, February 4, 2010
11am

Cemetery

Greenoaks Memorial Park
9595 Florida Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA  70815