Patti Lauren Johnson

Patti L. Johnson MEMPHIS, TENN-Patti Lauren Johnson, 64, formerly of Racine, beloved daughter and sister, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 16, 2015. She was born in Racine on January 4, 1951 to the late Robert and Winifred (nee: Hilker) Johnson. Patti was a graduate of Washington Park High School “Class of 1969”. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she enjoyed studying English composition with National Book Award winner and playwright Dr. Herbert Kubly, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in May 1975. In 1976, Patti moved to Memphis, Tennessee, home of her paternal aunts, Mrs. Shirley (nee: Johnson) Metcalfe and Mrs. Phyllis (nee: Johnson) Craven. Patti retired from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2011, where, beginning in 1976, she had worked in medical research in the labs of Lester Van Middlesworth and Syamal Bhattacharya. She played a key role as grant-writer and co-author on numerous medical research papers with Professor Bhattacharya. While living in Racine, Patti was a member of Grace Baptist Church. When she moved to Memphis, she became a member of First Evangelical Church and served on five mission trips to Hungary and Belize. She was a private pilot, a published writer of fiction, and a gifted artist. Patti enjoyed horseback riding and walking her beloved Dobermans, Spartacus, Demetrius, Arras and Bella at Shelby Farms. She had a special place in her heart for all animals, and the Memphis Zoo was one of her favorite destinations. Even though she spent most of her adult life in Memphis, she also returned hundreds of times over the years to visit family and friends in Racine. Patti is survived by her brother, Robert (Melanie) Johnson of Terre Haute, Indiana; sisters, Colleen Roberts of Nashville, Tennessee and Jeri (Stuart) Smith of Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is further survived by nephews, Eric (Charlene) Roberts, Michael (Leah) Smith, Adam Roberts and William Roberts, nieces, Laura Roberts and Stephanie Smith, and one grand-nephew, Isaac Roberts. Patti’s funeral service to honor her life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Sturino Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon followed by a brief service. She will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park, following services. In lieu of flowers, Patti requested that memorials be given to New Hope Uganda Ministries -Musana Camp, the Racine Zoo, or the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee.

Tributes

Patti Lauren Johnson

January 4, 1951 - July 16, 2015