Pauline Johnson, 1916 – 2020

Services were held Nov. 10 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson for Pauline Johnson, 103, of Jefferson.

The Rev J. Alexander, pastor of Central Christian Church, offered words of comfort. Honorary bearers were Jax Carstensen, Jayden Carstensen, Krista Henning, Eli Carstensen, Brady Carstensen and Maddox Carstensen.

Casket bearers were Gary Carstensen, Paul Carstensen, Jacob Miner, Jeremiah Miner, Justin Henning and Jeremy Henning. Interment was at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.

Helen Pauline Mallett was born December 1, 1916.  She was the only child of Perry Wesley Mallett and Grace Florence Potter Mallett.  From an early age she went by the name Pauline. She grew up in the Scranton area enjoying fun times with her cousins of the extended Mallett family.  She attended country schools, then Jefferson High School graduating in 1935.  After graduating she worked as a “hired girl” for several families. 

She met Joel Johnson while working for a farm family where he was the “hired man”.  They were married January 3, 1938.  They began their married life on a farm near Goose Lake in Hardin Township, Greene County. They lived and farmed there until 1970. She was a typical farm wife, raising chickens, taking care of a large garden and working side by side with Joel.  Their only child, Joeline, was raised on that farm. When Joel and Pauline retired they moved to a house on Olive Street in Jefferson.  

Pauline was a member of the Farlin Church of Chris,t then transferred her membership to Central Christian Church in Jefferson where she was an active member of the church women’s group.  For more than 25 years she kept the church kitchen immaculate. She ironed every dish towel before folding and putting away in the kitchen drawer. She helped prepare and serve many meals, from funeral dinners to salad luncheons. She also served as one of the first women elders. After Joel passed away in 1986 she had the opportunity to attend the Christian Church Quadrennial in Indianapolis.

Pauline loved to be outside. She was still mowing her own lawn in her 90s. After she dealt with a broken hip she moved to Greenewood.  She enjoyed the years she was able to live in her apartment and the good neighbors she had there. Those neighbors could count on seeing her on her daily walks. 

She enjoyed Fun Travel bus trips with her daughter. The “four generation” summer trips with daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter found her ready for any adventure including an air boat trip on the Platte River in Nebraska when she was 94. In recent years she looked forward to card games with her grandsons or anyone else who stopped by. 

Pauline passed away peacefully on November 2, 2020 at the Greene County Medical Center.

Proceeding Pauline in death were her husband Joel; and her parents Perry and Grace Mallett.

Pauline is survived by her daughter Joeline (Glenn) Carstensen; grandchildren Linda Henning, Gary (Carrie Jo) Carstensen, and Paul (June) Carstensen; great-grandchildren Justin, Jeremy and Krista Henning, and Jax, Jayden, Eli, Brady and Maddox Carstensen;  step great-grandsons Jacob and Jeremiah (Melissa) Miner, and their children Olivia and Gunner.

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