Laura Jean Morgan Johnson, 93, of Panama City, Florida, peacefully went home to the Lord on December 23rd, 2023. Laura was born October 29th, 1930 in Brantley, Alabama. She was Methodist by faith.

Laura is survived by her son, James W. Johnson, Jr. (Lisa); & daughter, Vivian J. Sammons (Johnny); Grandchildren, Dr. Wesley Johnson (Nicole); & Angela Sammons; Great Granddaughter, Layla Nicole Johnson; Nieces, Sandra Outlaw, Joy Joins, & Jane Morgan; Nephews, Brian Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Keith Morgan, John Q. Morgan Jr., & David Sanders; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & their families.

Laura is preceded in death by her father, Bibb G. Morgan and mother, Vera Wright Morgan; her beloved husband, James W. Johnson, Sr.; Sister, Vera M. Sanders; Brothers, Judge W. Morgan, Bibb G. Morgan, Jr., John Q. Morgan, Mark Morgan, & Matthew Morgan.

Laura's journey in life was amazing. After graduation, from Brantley High School, she felt the calling to become a Registered Nurse. Laura enrolled at Birmingham Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, in Birmingham Alabama.

Laura's exceptional grades & expertise in the field of nursing led her to a new growing field in nurse anesthesiology. She moved to Baltimore, Maryland to attend the Nurse Anesthetist Program at John Hopkins. Laura had found her Passion & Career at John Hopkins.  She worked with renowned Doctors & Nurses. The advancements in cardiac surgeries by Dr. Blalock, Dr. Vivian Thomas, & Dr. Helen Taussig with repair of  Tetraolgy of Fallot Syndrome (Blue babies). Olive Berger, became the first nurse anesthetist to administer anesthesia for the "blue baby" operations of the 1940's. Laura did an affiliation at Charity Hospital in New Orleans in communicable diseases and pediatrics. For four months, she trained in the care of babies and small children.  Next, her travels took her to a State Hospital in Massillon, Ohio for psychiatric and mental health studies.

After graduating from John Hopkins, Laura decided to move to Panama City, FL and live with her sister, Vera Elizabeth Morgan.

Laura's career began at Bay Memorial Hospital (renamed later Bay Medical Center). At the behest of Dr. Joseph H. Morris, Laura, as Chief CRNA and  Irving Holzman, CRNA  started The Bay Medical Center School of Nurse Anesthesia. This was Florida's first nurse anesthesia school, that began as a certificate program in 1969. Laura brought in many qualified professors from Gulf Coast Community College to teach certain subjects to the students. She was very involved in teaching the students for many years. She loved seeing her students (she called her babies) succeed and receive their CRNA degree. Laura had a loving, professional, bedside manner with all of her patients. She was most admired for her high ideals and deep values about patient care.

Thank you to James Brumby, Jr. for his care and compassion. Special Thank you to all the staff at Mathison Retirement Community & Memory Unit, and VITAS Healthcare. Our family appreciates your care and devotion.

Laura will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Please join us in Celebrating the Life of Laura Jean Morgan Johnson at 11 a.m., Friday, December 29th, 2023 at Forest Park Church. 1401 West 23rd, Street, Panama City, FL.

Pastor Keith Morgan from Brantley, AL will be officiating the service. A reception luncheon to follow after the service.