Merilyss Johnson Obituary (1939 - 2022)

Service is pending PLEASE BE ADVISED Under all circumstances, face masks or face coverings are required and mandatory to enter King-Tears Mortuary, Inc. Your temperature will be taken upon entering King-Tears Mortuary. The number of people allowed in King-Tears Mortuary will depend on the CDC guidelines at the time of the service. Please read information posted here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/funeral-guidance.html THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING Merilyss Parks Johnson was born September 4th, 1939 in Austin, Texas, to Arthur Parks and Henrietta Houston-Collins raised by step-mother Mamie Gregg-Parks and adopted Mother, Lillie Toni-Wallace. Merilyss accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. In later years she joined Greater Love Baptist Church. She attended Rosewood Elementary, Kealing Junior High and the original L. C. Anderson High School. High school class of 1958. Merilyss was an entrepreneur who owned and operated a beauty salon in east Austin for over 25 years. She was known to have an infectious smile that could light up any room, a vibrant personality, and a great sense of humor. She was a sweet and nurturing soul. She never met a stranger and had such a heart of gold. Merilyss was known for her famous Texas pecan pralines, cornbread dressing, and giblet gravy. Merilyss was married to the late Reginald S. Caldwell Sr., four kids were created from this union. Reginald S. Caldwell Jr., Gerald Caldwell, Varnard Caldwell Sr. and April Caldwell-Gayden. Merilyss is preceded in death by her mother Henrietta Houston-Collins, father Arthur Parks, step-mother adoptive mother, sons Gerald and Varnard Caldwell Sr., Sisters Myrtle Hutcherson and James Ette Collins and grandson Joshua E. Wilson. She was later married on June 13, 1986, and leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband of 36 years Reuben Leon Johnson Sr.; Children: Reginald S. Caldwell Jr. (Audrey), Austin; April Gayden (Marx), Pflugerville; Step-daughter Yolanda E. Wilson (Raymond), Manor; Step-sons Reuben L. Johnson Jr., Austin, and Alonzo Johnson, CA.; Grandchildren: Lee Caldwell (Glenn), John Arthur Caldwell, Varnard Caldwell Jr., Tamara Williams, Douglas, Airell and Eboni Gayden; Great grandchildren: Bailee, Aubree, Ja'ceon Caldwell and Da'marea White; Sister: Adele Collins (austin); Nieces: Rosalind A. Nichols (Austin), Renee Hutcherson (Houston, TX).