Gloria Johnson Schaefer

Gloria Johnson Schaefer, age 82, passed away March 12, 2019, at Willard Walker Hospice House in Fayetteville. Born January 30, 1937, Gloria grew up in Independence, Mo., the daughter of Albert and Bessie Shutt. She graduated from Northeast High School and began a secretarial career, eventually working for Wal-Mart Corporate Offices in Bentonville. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Paul Johnson; her second husband, Donald Schaefer; and her grandson, Caleb Johnson. Gloria married Paul Johnson on May 7, 1972, in Independence, Mo. His four children were an additional blessing, and Gloria spent the next years working and helping raise a family in Olathe, Kan. During this time, they began Johnson Photography, photographing weddings, reunions, and Little League. After moving to Bella Vista in 1987, they continued their photography business until 2006. Over forty years of marriage, their family grew to include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gloria and Paul attended First United Methodist of Bella Vista and enjoyed spending time with family and traveling until Paul's passing. Twice blessed, Gloria's second marriage took place in December 2013 when she married Donald E. Schaefer of Fayetteville. Again, Gloria gained a family by her marriage, adding Don's daughters and their families to her own. During their four years together, they traveled extensively, both for pleasure and for Don's involvement in faith and civic organizations. Gloria joined University Baptist Church through baptism in 2014, attending faithfully until prevented by declining health and the loss of Don in February 2018. Gloria leaves behind a beloved sister, Beverly Stanley of Fayetteville, Ark.; Paul's children, Suzy Davis and husband Jay, Sherry Holcomb and husband David, both of Manhattan, Kan., Brent Johnson and wife Vicki of Boulder, Colo., and Brad Johnson and wife Missy of Johnson City, Tenn.; Don's children, Ann Covington and husband David, Carol Huneycutt and husband John, both of Fayetteville, Ark., and Susan Seaman and husband Terry of Knoxville, Tenn.; twenty-two grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Gloria's friends and staff at Brookstone Assisted Living and Willard Walker Hospice House for their kindness and excellent care. The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 22, at University Baptist Church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to The Gideon's International, P.O. Box 3022, Fayetteville, Ark. 72702. To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.