of Conway, AR
November 23, 1941 - April 15, 2019
Ellen Sikes Johnson was born on November 23, 1941, in San Angelo, Texas, and peacefully passed away at home in Conway, Arkansas, on April 15, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Canon Sikes and Peter Radford Sikes, as well as nephew Warren Clint Wills and brother-in-law Raymond Madison Wills. She is survived by her loving husband, W. Clint Johnson, children David, Craig (Kristyn) and Susan Johnson-Mumford (Chris), and also grandchildren Sydney, Emery and Ansley, sister Susan Sikes Wills and niece Mary Liz Brooks (Jason) and their children Lauren and Colin.
Ellen earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Texas at Austin in 1964, followed by teaching second grade at Eanes Elementary School from 1964-1966 in Austin. She dedicated herself to full-time parenting and local community and church initiatives in Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas between 1967-1987. In 1981, she achieved a Master of Library Science at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
She was passionate about reading and achieved her ambition of becoming a librarian when she joined the University of Central Arkansas's library staff in 1987. She served first as head of the Circulation Department, then as a reference librarian and children's librarian. In the latter role, she developed a free-standing children's library at Torreyson Library at UCA, embodying many intriguing features that displayed a love of books and children.
Ellen was a member of the Arkansas Library Association, the Southeastern Library Association and the American Library Association. She had the distinction of being one of 18 persons nationally elected in 2003 to the Council of the American Library Association, serving 2 three-years terms as National Councilor. Later she was the Arkansas Councilor on the ALA Council. Ellen was a founding member of the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the American Library Association. Representing the Arkansas Library Association, she conducted school workshops throughout the state on freedom to read. She helped many schools as well as individual teachers navigate the treacherous waters of challenges to books in school libraries. She also received the Francis P. Neal Award in 2007 from the Arkansas Library Association in recognition of her notable service to librarianship in the State of Arkansas. Ellen retired from Torreyson Library in 2007 after the birth of her first grandchild while remaining active in professional librarian circles.
For almost 40 years she was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conway, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Ellen was also a member of Chapter CA P.E.O., American Association of University Women, Shakespeare Club and the Women's Investment Network. In addition, she served as President of UCA Faculty Women, was a member of the Conway Morning Rotary Club and held the role of Webelos Den Mother.
Later in life, Ellen loved being a grandmother and always looked forward to when her granddaughters could spend time with their "Mimi". She was known for her loving, nurturing, and selfless nature. Her children remember her for her calm spirit and and ability to provide reassurance at any time. Some of the things for which she is most remembered are her values of honesty, seeing the best in others, commitment to doing good in all that she did and unconditional love.
A service of remembrance will be held at First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Conway, the Faulkner County Humane Society or the Freedom to Read Foundation (ftrf.org).
Sad to learn of Ellen's passing. I so enjoyed each opportunity to visit with Ellen at library meetings and conferences. Ellen was full of grace, kindness, wisdom and a love for people. I was honored to consider her a colleague and friend. My deepest sympathies to her family.
I am sad to hear of Ellen’s passing. She was so helpful to me as we worked in ARLA together. Praying for comfort for her family and friends.
Saddened to hear the passing of Ellen Johnson. I had the good fortune of working with her on the Executive Board of the Arkansas Library Association. She was always helpful and generous with her time. My condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed.
Clint, we were so sorry to read of Ellen’s passing. Our love and prayers are with you, David and Susan.
Al and Rose Hamilton
Clint and Family,
What a privilege it was for me to work with Ellen at the Torreyson Library! I never saw Ellen without a smile, especially when talking about her family! She was such a joy to work with and I learned so much from her in how to treat people. The world has lost a wonderful human being but heaven has gained a new angel!!
Ellen was one of the sweetest people I have ever had the privilege to work with. She was so helpful, kind and caring. I have thought of her often since she retired and was very saddened of the news of her passing. I am so sorry for the loss and will be praying for the family. I know her kindness will continue to touch other’s lives through the impact she had on her family.
Clint and family, I was so saddened to hear about Ellen. I loved working with her for the 20 years she was at Torreyson Library. She was so kind and caring. She was a wonderful colleague and a good friend. Ellen was so respected by the library staff, students and faculty and worked tirelessly to provide excellent service to everyone who came to the library. You are all in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about Ellen’s passing. Clint, you and your family are in my prayers! She was a very very sweet caring lady that will be greatly missed.