Fay Marie (Schluens) Johnson, 81, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Fay was born September 17, 1940, in Sealy, Texas, to Fred Charles and Evelyn (Goebel) Schluens. She grew up in the Millheim Community on the family farm and Brahman ranch. She spent her youth helping the family raise cattle and farm peanuts. Her father put her on a horse at four years of age and she helped him round up cattle for working. At an early age, she learned how to sew her own clothes and loved helping out with her three younger sisters.

Fay attended Bellville schools and excelled in academics and sports, especially basketball. She attended Girls State. She was active in 4-H and was the first female to show a steer at the Austin County Fair. At an early age, Fay

At an early age, Fay decided she needed to be a nurse and wanted to help people. She attended Lilly Jolly School of Nursing and the University of Houston. Later in life, she graduated from the Blinn College Vocational Nursing Program and had a perfect score on the state LVN exam. Fay was in nursing for 53 years and was disappointed when ill health forced her to retire.

Fay and James Higginbotham were married and had two children, Ted Duane and Mary Beth.

Fay was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church. As a teenager, she taught Sunday school, VBS, and was involved in Luther League. She was a Stephen Minister, a Ruth Circle member, Altar Guild, and quilted for Lutheran World Relief. She loved our Lord and Savior and gave him praise. She also was a member of Woodmen of the World and the Order of the Sons of Hermann.

Fay was remarried to Shannon D. Johnson on November 23, 1988, at St. John Lutheran Church. Theirs was a marriage of love and devotion with many of God’s blessings.

She is survived by her husband: Shannon D. Johnson of Bellville; daughter: Mary Beth Higginbotham of Millheim; son: Ted Duane Higginbotham of San Marcos; granddaughter: Megan Higginbotham of Fredericksburg; great-grandchildren: Mykah, Ruby Faye, and Patrick Allen, all of Fredericksburg; grandson: Sean Higginbotham, also of Fredericksburg; sisters: Nila Kay Klaus of Cat Spring, Lola Ann Landua of Bellville, and Karen Sue McGill of San Angelo; and numerous nephews, cousins, and friends.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Evelyn Schluens, and brothers-in-law, Lloyd Klaus, Bob McGill, and Dennis Landua.

Family was present to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel in Bellville, Texas.

Funeral Service was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville with Rev. Jay Graves officiating. Interment followed at Millheim Cemetery in Millheim, Texas.

Pallbearers were Ryan Klaus, Paul Landua, John Landua, Clay McGill, Sean Higginbotham, and Jeff Kloss.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to St. John Lutheran Church, 520 North Holland, Bellville, Texas 77418 or to the Millheim Cemetery Association, C/O Hurst Barbee, 4787 FM 949, Sealy, Texas 77474

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home, PO Box 610, 12029 Hwy. 36 S., Bellville, Texas, 77418 - (979)865- 2424 – www.schmidtfunerals.com.