Josephine Margaret Roberts Johnsen

Josephine Margaret Roberts Johnsen, 94, of Beaumont, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024. She was born on June 30, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Josephine Eleanor Navardauskas and Thomas Forrest Roberts.

She is survived by her children, Peter Johnsen and his wife, JoBeth; Jane Collins; Julie Johnsen; and Thomas Johnsen and his wife, Cristal; grandchildren, Christopher Matthew Johnsen and his wife, Lauren, Sarah Elizabeth Steinberg and her husband, Steven, Seth Collins, Evan Collins, Tia Matos, Josephine Matos Posey, Darius Johnsen, and Devin Johnsen; seven great-grandchildren; her siblings, Tommie Price, Jack Roberts, Bill Roberts, Robbie Horne, and Jim Roberts.

Josephine is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edwin Alfred Johnsen; and sisters, Katherine Foster and Gracie Spires.

Cremation arrangements for Mrs. Johnsen were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. As per Mrs. Johnsen’s wishes, there will be no service or memorial donations.

Growing up on the farm after the Great Depression was a hard life. Jo’s family had little money, and their father was off fighting in the Pacific during WWII. Josie was thirteen at the time and had to learn everything the hard way:  how to hunt for food, drive an old farm truck, raise farm animals, and plant and pick cotton.  But it was the time of her life she talked about the most. The stories of how she and her brothers and sisters made it through were so entertaining.

When she left home right after high school, she came to Beaumont and lived downtown at the YWCA. Her first job was as a commercial artist, where she drew pictures for advertisements in the newspaper, since there were few photographs. After that, she went to work for Mrs. Cottle’s flower shop and became a florist.  What a story THAT was, too! After that was when she started working at Johnsen’s Florist, where she met her husband to be, Edwin Johnsen.

Josie was a stay-at-home mom, except for holidays when she worked at the shop. She and dad were great parents. We had such wonderful lives! Jo was also a member of the Beaumont Art League, and a devoted member of the Major Drive church of Christ for over 48 years.

She not only loved her family, she loved all her employees and customers. She loved teaching, and showing anyone how to make bows and arrangements, and send folks home with free samples of wire, tape, and satin ribbon with which to practice. She was generous with her time and knowledge, and her money for those in need.

Living for Christ was Josie’s priority. She worked hard without complaining and set such a fine example for us to follow. Through love and concern for others, through prayers and kindness for all, she showed us a Christian life well lived.