Obituary of Mercedes Johnson

Mercedes "Mercy" Herminia Johnson, 80, entered into rest peacefully on February 7, 2011 in Jacksonville, FL. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was born on April 25, 1930 to the late Mr.Toribio and Rosalina Lora in Buenos Aires, Panama. She attended school in an exclusive private Catholic school in Panama. She obtained dual citizenship between both the USA and Panama for many years, spending much of her time traveling between both countries. Along with her parents, she was a benefactor of her local church in Buenos Aires, Panama and Toribio Lora Puche's Middle School, which her father founded. She has been a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church since March of 1961. She retired from the Duval County School Board after 22 years as a clerk. Mercy was a community educator, having taught Spanish and crochet. She was an active member of the Jacksonville Herbal Society. She was known as an avid gardener, and enjoyed cooking, art, music, and dancing. She especially adored spending time with her family and friends. She is predeceased by her son, Glen Willard Qualls and brothers, Shubert, Klever, Hugo and Ney Lora; and sisters, Betty and Iris Lora. She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband of 31 beautiful years, Edward "John" Johnson; son, Royal Dozier Qualls (Karen); step-children, Edwin Johnson (Catherine) and Flory Johnson; grandchildren, Evan and Aaron Qualls and Edwin "E.J." and Rosalind "Lindi" Johnson; sisters, Etna Rosa Crowell, Irma Maria Jaquish, and Flor de Maria James; brother, Gregorio Lora; numerous nieces and nephews and many treasured friends. Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Rosary to be held at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 10472 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL with a reception to follow immediately in the Social Hall. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.Cancer.org in memory of Mercy.