Francis Jean "Punk" (Cox) Johnson

Francis Jean “Punk” (Cox) Johnson, age 87, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born on the family farm June 28, 1938 in Okolona, Arkansas to the late Arthur and Norma (Clingan) Cox. She was the oldest of five brothers. Often times, others assumed she was the mother to her younger brothers because of the 20-year age gap. She married William C. “Dick” Johnson in January 1961 that lasted for 41 years until his death. Their marriage included fishing, hunting, rodeoing, and rodeo photography. One of her pictures won Picture of the Year in the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

As a young family, they moved to Odessa, Missouri. She juggled her husband working shiftwork, managing Bates City B-B-Q, and driving a school bus while raising two children. Following retirement, she and Dick returned to her hometown of Okolona where she took up hobbies of quilting, gardening, hunting, fishing, and served her community on the city council and as President of the Weir Cemetery Association. She was a great cook who was known for her fried pies. As a good cook, she often times was found behind the counter of the community center for various events such as funerals, trail rides, fundraisers, and other community events.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Neal and Tommy Cox; husband, William C. “Dick” Johnson; and step-daughter, Francis Johnson.

Survivors include her daughter, Dee Grove (Randy) of Beebe, Arkansas; son, Dickie Johnson of Palmer, Texas; step-son, Tom Johnson of El Dorado, Arkansas; siblings, Paul David “Cotton” Cox, Jimmy Cox, and Clifford “Chip” Cox; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Viewing is available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel. Graveside services are 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Weir Cemetery in Okolona with Ty Hendricks officiating. Afterwards, the family invites everyone to lunch and to celebrate memories service at Okolona Community Center, 250 East First Street, Okolona, Arkansas 71962. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Weir Cemetery, P.O. Box 4, Okolona, Arkansas 71962. Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home-Arkadelphia/Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel, www.smithfamilycares.com.