Bertha Helen Johnson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Bertha Helen Johnson, 82, of Dowell, passed away at 10:44 a.m., Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Bertha was a member of the Spirit of Life Christian Church in Du Quoin. She was also a member of the Dowell Fire Department Women's Auxiliary.

She was born Sept. 30, 1927 at Benton, Ill., the daughter of Andrew and Sally (Britton) Robinson.

She married William Downs on Oct. 27, 1947 at Tamaroa, Ill. and he preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 1965. She then married William R. Johnson on Dec. 21, 1974 at Granite City, Ill. and he preceded her in death on Dec. 19, 2004.

She is survived by one daughter - Sherri Ford and husband Stephen of Du Quoin, one son - Dennis Downs and wife Crystal of Elkville, four grandchildren - Brian Dickerson, Steve Dickerson, Shaun Downs, and Keri Downs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, four brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Cliff Lingle officiating.

Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or Spirit of Life Christian Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.