Helen Lee Harris Johnson

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Helen Lee Harris Johnson, 73, on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at Stafford Hospital.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Barry Wayne Johnson; her two daughters, Beverly Reinharz and Erica Paulus; her three grandchildren, Nathalie Reinharz Loehr, Elliot Reinharz and Tabitha Paulus Bush; her three great-granddaughters, Katherine Loehr, Sarah Loehr and Madeline Loehr (gracing us in May); and seven siblings, Lawrence Harris, Junior, Barbara Canter, John Harris, Dorothy Limbrick, Marjorie Day, Thomas Harris, and Charles Harris.

Helen was born in New York and travelled to many counties in her youth. As the oldest daughter of a military family, she was preceded in death by Lawrence Harry Harris, Senior and Barbara Louis Harris.

Helen and Wayne met in Stafford with only moments to spare before falling deeply in love.  The excitement to share their lives together could not be denied. While many dream of love they were “head over heels” living it.  They were inseparable – they were two hearts that shared one life, one love and always knew joy.

Strong willed and stubborn at times. Helen had a passion for life - she was a do-er! Never satisfied sitting idle, she always had a project. She was creative! She would wake up and say – “That would look nice” and just start working on it! Helen built an in-ground pond, retaining wall and carport. (And this was before Goggle or YouTube). I remember my dad coming home from work and asking “what happened to the chain link fence” and my mom saying “I needed the metal for support” in the concreate slab she had poured. She did such a great job on the slab – it is still being used to this day at the house.  

Helen had an eye for detail and loved designing jewelry. She was keen on finding unusual stones and turning them into pieces of jewelry.  She enjoyed the “one armed bandit”, treasure hunting and her friends!

Helen was a beautiful person with a wonderful sense of humor and contagious laugh. Her smile and laugh would light up the whole room. She cared deeply for her friends and made an impact on so many lives. She will be forever missed.

The family would like to thank the Stafford Hospital ICU nursing staff – Keri, Amanda and especially Sarah – who went above and beyond their nursing duties. Your care and compassion for my mother meant a lot and gave me a little light through a dark time.   

A service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia.

“Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are happy.” – Inuit legend