Erna Gernert Johnson, 82, of Forrest City, Ark., passed away September 21, 2022, peacefully at her home in Forrest City.

She was born in Albertshofen, Germany on March 6, 1940 during WWII where her parents raised her to fear God, live honestly, and serve others. These were strong beliefs she held throughout her life. While studying nursing, she met Wally Johnson while he was serving in the Army in Germany. The two fell in love, and Erna moved to Piggott, Ark., to marry Wally on November 25, 1960. Erna worked at Brown Shoe Company then Emerson Electric while Wally went through college to obtain his CPA license.

While in Piggott, they had their three children. After Wally earned his CPA license, the family moved to Forrest City, where the couple resided until their passing. In Forrest City, Erna worked at Sanyo and then Reltoc. She eventually left factory work and spent almost 30 years working with Wally as office manager and bookkeeper at his accounting firm.

During her life, people were the most important thing for Erna. She sacrificed herself and her goals of nursing so that her husband and children could go to school and achieve their dreams. She loved her family fiercely, and they were her pride and joy. Erna’s wisdom and servant heart were evident throughout her life.

Erna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wally; parents George and Rosina (Uhl) Gernert; brother George, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her beloved sister Elvira Gernert in Germany. She is also survived by her children, Erna Louise Morphis, Tina Little and husband Mark, and Anthony Keith (Tony) Johnson; grandchildren Rhett Morphis and wife Sammi with Rhett, Jr. (RJ) and Fowler Jett, Rachel Morphis with Jewels, Emily and Kristina Unruh, and Meredith and Skylar Johnson. She is survived by beloved nieces, Jennifer, Sarah, Kimberly, and Natalie, a nephew, Robert, and several exchange students the Johnson’s hosted while living in America.

Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the Piggott Cemetery in Piggott, with Joe Cole officiating. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Hoggard & Sons Chapel in Piggott.