Isla Faye Johnson, 94, a long-time resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest Tuesday, February 21, at her residence in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her daughter by her side.

Isla Faye was born November 24, 1928, to Alfred and Beatrice (Garner) Berna in Gustine, Texas. She attended school in Rogers and Dublin, Texas, and graduated from Dublin High School. In December 1946, Isla Faye married the love of her life, Stephen Alvin "Al" Johnson. The couple lived in Abilene, Texas, while Al completed his education, then moved to Pennsylvania, where he played a year for the Philadelphia Eagles. They moved to Silver City in 1949.

Isla Faye started her business career as a bookkeeper for the CPA firm of Gray and Gray and then spent many years as the business manager for Med Square Clinic and for Robert Sexton, MD. She and Al enjoyed square dancing and traveling with friends, and they were members and past presidents of the Gila Hot Sox. She also greatly enjoyed various crafts, with a special love for ceramics.

Isla Faye loved her family and friends. Although she left many good friends when she moved to Arizona, she continued to stay in contact with them. In the six years she lived in Scottsdale, she forged several lasting friendships. A beautiful memorial to her was held Friday, February 24, at the community where she lived.

Isla Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Bea and Alfred, her husband, Al, her sisters, Mary Lee Rainbolt and Charlene Barger, a nephew, Steve Johnson, and a niece, Linda Carey. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stacee and Andy Meis, of Oakdale, California, two nephews, Pete Johnson (Dianne) of Burleson, Texas, and Ron Henderson (Brenda) of Clifton, Texas, a niece, Bobbie Barger, of Garland, Texas, and a brother-in-law, Jack Barger, also of Garland, Texas.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Silver City, with inurnment at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alvin "Al" Johnson Athletic Scholarship, c/o Western New Mexico University Foundation, PO Box 1158, Silver City, NM 88062.