Alverta Nelson Johnson, 85, formerly of Sedgewickville, Mo., passed away Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She resided at the Lutheran Home the past two years.

Johnson was born April 29, 1923, in Sedgewickville to the late Rev. Harley L. and Lucille Seabaugh Statler. She and Howard Nelson were married Sept. 22, 1940, in Sedgewickville. He passed away May 1, 1973.

Alverta was a 1940 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. From 1942 to 1943, Alverta and Howard resided in Portland, Ore., where he was employed at the Portland Shipyard. Although their stay was brief, both were fond of the city and the beautiful Oregon countryside. They resided in Sedgewickville the rest of their married life.

She and Lloyd Johnson were married Dec. 22, 1973. Lloyd was a longtime resident of the Sedgewickville community and had farmed for many years. Together they traveled the states, and Calgary, Canada, where they visited the rodeo. Lloyd now resides in Marble Hill, Mo.

Johnson taught piano lessons in her home for more than 50 years, retiring in 2005 when her health began to fail. She formerly served as a church pianist for Sedgewickville United Methodist Church, Caney Fork Baptist Church in Daisy, Mo., and Patton Presbyterian Church in Patton, Mo.

Alverta enjoyed reading, particularly her Bible and other spiritual books. She was creative and accomplished in needlework and took pleasure in making special gifts for her family.

Loving survivors include two sons, Richard Leland (Beverly) Nelson of Jackson and Keith (Jody) Nelson of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; a daughter, Carolyn (Dick) Shuster of Bloomington, Ind.; a sister, Laverla (Tracy) Luter of Bossier City, La.; two stepchildren, Wayne (Linda) Johnson and Sue (Roy) Allen, all of Sedgewickville; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; six stepgrandchildren; and nine great-stepgrandchildren.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, July 21, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jerry Statler officiating.

Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Lutheran Home or the charity of your choice.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.