Mary Wheaton

Mary Ruth "O.W." Friedrich Johnson-Wheaton, 81, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Monticello House.

She was born Nov. 16, 1937, in Jackson to Robert C. Sr. and Ollie L. Seabaugh Friedrich. She married James Johnson, and two sons were born to their union.

Mary worked at the former Jackson Hosiery Mill and was a retiree of the former Thorngate Ltd., in Cape Girardeau. She also worked in several establishments in Cape Girardeau, including Candlewick, Kingsway and Brothers II lounges.

She was a member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson and was a former worthy matron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 91 in Jackson. Mary's brother, Jon Friedrich, owns and flies hot air balloons. Mary and her friend, Tom Miller, especially enjoyed spotting and chasing for Jon. She also like to camp, ride motorcycles and watch NASCAR races. She was an avid fan of Tony Stewart.

Loving survivors include two sons, Craig (Kathy) Johnson of Yucaipa, California, and Jim (Mary B.) Johnson of Jackson; four granddaughters, Keisha Johnson of O'Fallon, Missouri, Roxane (Patrick) Bond of Cedar Pines Park, California, Cheyenne Johnson (Bryan Antrim) of Corona, California, and Misty (Jeremy) Benear of Wentzville, Missouri; a stepgranddaughter, Nikia (Justin) Asbridge and family of Scott City; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson Antrim, Peyten Bond, Autumn and Alyah Kelly, Angel Johnson and Reagan and Madison Benear; a brother, Jon P. Friedrich (Brenda Proffer) of Gordonville; longtime friend, Tom Miller of Millersville, and his daughter, Traci (Mike) Grunloh of Jackson; nephews, John, Eric, Rob and Chris Friedrich; and former husband, Jim (Sally) Johnson of Millersville, and their daughter, Ashley (Joe) McGinnis of Homestead, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert C. (Pat) Friedrich Jr.; and former father-in-law and mother-in-law, Floyd and Iva Johnson.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, with an Eastern Star service at 5:15 p.m. Sunday. Visitation will continue from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Revs. Joe Rowley and Sam Roethemeyer officiating. Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Emanuel United Church of Christ.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.