Foster Johnson

The Todd County Funeral Home is honored to have been called to serve the family of Mr. Foster Johnson.

Foster Johnson, Sr. nickname “Bonnie Shoates” was born and raised in South Guthrie and a graduate of Burt High School in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Foster became a member of the Guildfield Baptist Church at an early age and continued to attend Guildfield until his health started to fail.  When he was not attending Guildfield he would attend his wife’s church Phillips Chapel in Elkton.

Foster retired from Emerson Electric after 35 years of service.  He enjoyed cooking, hunting, softball, fishing and was a die-hard fan of the University of Kentucky.  Foster could be seen daily wearing University of Kentucky gear.  The name “Bonnie Shoates” came from his love for softball. As part of the Emerson softball team, he was the “Hank Aaron” of the team hitting 4 home runs in one game.  Foster was also one of the founders of the “New Breed” social club in Elkton. It was said that Foster was known as a protector of the young guys that use to hang out at the neighborhood “Dinner Bell.”

Foster’s love of cooking was known by all those that crossed his path. Whenever there was a dinner, event, funeral, etc. you could count on Foster Johnson to show up with a cake or pie. He was known for his chocolate chip pie, his caramel cake and his infamous NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES.

Foster never met a stranger. He would greet you with that infectious smile and if you ask him how are you doing, he would reply “EVERYTHING’S SWEET AS HONEY.”

Foster departed this life on Thursday, May 7, 2026, he was 89.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Martha Louise Johnson; parents, Eddie Jake and Farris Johnson; one brother, Willie Lee “Monroe” Johnson; sisters, Laura Bell Johnson, Mary Olivia Johnson Long, Willie Mae Golliday and Betty Morton and one granddaughter, Kearstin Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Zina Johnson of Clarksville; son, Foster Michael Johnson (Sherry) of Elkton; grandchildren, Michael, Bridget, Ovell, KJ, Cameron and Destiny and great grandchildren, Christopher, Kaden, Peyton, Jermani and Zediah. Also surviving are a host of nieces, and nephews in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Foster will truly be missed, especially by his family, the Elkton community and the many lives he touched during this journey called life.  Pain is no longer and he is with his beloved wife. A day did not pass that he didn’t speak her name and talk about how he missed his beloved Louise.  “EVERYTHING’S SWEET AS HONEY” now Daddy!!!

Visitation with the Johnson family will be on Friday, May 15th from 5:00 until 7:00 at the Todd County Funeral Home. Funeral service is scheduled to be conducted on Saturday, May 16th at 1:00 at the Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Pastor Allataye A. Russ officiating. Interment will follow at the Glenwood Cemetery in Elkton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Foster Johnson, please visit our floral store.