Pauline Johnson

Helen Pauline Mallett was born Dec. 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 on Jan. 3, 1938. They began their married life on a farm near Goose Lake in Hardin Twp. 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 Christ, then transferred her membership to Central Christian Church in Jefferson, where she was an active member of the church women’s group. For over 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 Nov. 2 at the Greene County Medical Center at the age of 103.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, with words of comfort by the Rev. J. Alexander of Central Christian Church, Jefferson.

Honorary bearers will be Jax Carstensen, Jayden Carstensen, Krista Henning, Eli Carstensen, Brady Carstensen and Maddox Carstensen.

Casket bearers will be Gary Carstensen, Paul Carstensen, Jacob Miner, Jeremiah Miner, Justin Henning and Jeremy Henning.

Interment will be in the Jefferson Cemetery.

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

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Joeline (Glenn) Carstensen; three grandchildren: Linda Henning, Gary (Carrie Jo) Carstensen and Paul (June) Carstensen; 10 great-grandchildren: Justin, Jeremy and Krista Henning, Jax, Jayden, Eli, Brady and Maddox Carstensen; two step-great-grandsons, Jacob and Jeremiah (Melissa) Miner, and their two children, Olivia and Gunner.