Dolores Jeannette Pennington Johnson, of Ironton, awoke in the presence of the Lord at 1:20 a.m., Friday July 29, 2011. She was surrounded by family at the Woodland Oaks Health Care Facility in Ashland, Ky., when her Redeemer came to take her home.

The Raceland, Ky., native was the daughter of the late Lando Pennington and Emma Bates Pennington Myers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, William L. “Daddy Bill” Myers, her beloved husband, Andrew H. Johnson, Jr. and an infant daughter, Sharon Rose Johnson.

Dolores was a graduate of Ironton High School after which she worked at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, before marrying Andy on April 6, 1952. While she enjoyed creative hobbies such as writing poetry and short stories, painting and singing she is remembered overall for her love and compassion for others. Dolores loved the Lord Jesus Christ and His love was shed abroad through her. Her sweet smile, tender nurturing care and fervent prayer for family, friends and church family at Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, Ky., was a testimony of the light in her that could not be dimmed by physical ailments and anxious thoughts. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15. What a blessed assurance to know that our loving mother, sister and friend is now a precious trophy of God’s grace. Her journey through this world of suffering and pain is complete and she is gazing upon the face she has so longed to see in perfect peace and rest, rejoicing forevermore. While we rejoice with Dolores; her beautiful face, sparkling eyes, sweet smile and loving care are now treasured memories that will be greatly missed. Our prayer is that the God of all comfort will provide solace to her loved ones in the coming days. May he grant those she has touched a special portion of his grace to honor her memory by following her examples of love, tenderness, compassion, the ability to think the best of others and most importantly to trust in the Lord. As we grieve to experience life without her, may we also celebrate Dolores’ life and the mercy she has found in her Savior.

Dolores is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Andrea and Dan Morgan of Ironton and Judith Sanders of Ironton; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark Andrew and Tamara Johnson of Ironton; two grandsons, Zachary Kouns and Caleb and Alane Evans; two granddaughters, Courtney and L.J. Martin and Kendra Johnson; a great grandson, Louis Martin; a brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Nancy Pennington of Hebron; and a sister, Ruth Pennington King of Ironton.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastors John Chapman and Frank Tate officiating and music by Mike Bartram. Burial will follow in Sugar Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated as are memorial contributions to Hospice in appreciation of the gentle care provided to Dolores and her family by the special people with Hospice and the Woodland Oaks Health Care Facility during her long journey home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.