Hildreth Johnson

Hildreth Leona Johnson peacefully passed away on January 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, always her favorite place to be. After an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia she entered her eternal home on Sunday where she now rejoices in the presence of her Lord and Savior. A faithful Christian woman, and longtime member of Chiefland Church of Christ, her relationship with God was the foundation of her life. Her faith guided her words, her actions, and her love for her family, friends and strangers alike.

Hildreth was born on November 24, 1939, in Cullman County, Alabama, to Dennis Russell Jones and Melba Lennie Perdue Jones. She grew up as a young child in Cullman County picking cotton and playing childhood games with her little sister and cousins. She moved to Florida in the 1950s with her family when her father started work in the citrus industry. She attended Auburndale High School, where she played basketball and eventually met the love of her life, Delma “Buddy” Johnson. They were married on April 19, 1957, and were blessed with two children who they raised in Auburndale and the surrounding areas before making the rural town of Chiefland, Florida, their permanent home in 1983. Hildreth loved to read, sew, cook, and quilt, in her spare time and was a longtime member of the Levy County Quilt Museum. She drove a school bus for over 20 years selflessly serving children and families in the community and retiring from her career in Levy County. Her greatest legacy, However, was her family and the lifetime of love, commitment, and faithful partnership, she shared with her husband, Buddy, standing side by side through every season of life together.

Hildreth is survived by her husband of 69 years, Buddy Johnson; her children, Karen (Randy) Rutter and Denise Johnson; and her grandchildren, Serena (Jamie) Lewis, Carlee Johnson, Cameron (Ava) Rutter, Caleb Johnson, and Mikeah Rutter. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Gavin Lewis, Joscelyn Lewis, Nova Rutter, and Xander Rutter.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Mara Jean Jones; son, Michael Dennis “Mike” Johnson; her father, Dennis R. Jones; her mother, Melba L. Jones; and her sister, Delila Glenda Smith.Hildreth’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, and service. She never met a stranger. She loved to serve others and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. She truly had a servant’s heart. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has found peace and rest at home with our Lord.For all those she loved and touched deeply. 

Please join us in celebrating her life Thursday morning with visitation at 10:00 am and services following at 11:00 am. January 22, 2026, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. 426 W Wade St, Trenton, FL 32693