Mavis Irene Walls Johnson and Arthur "Art" Eugene Johnson built a life together marked by resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to family and community. Their journey spanned from the farmlands of North Carolina to the entrepreneurial landscape of California, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and a successful family business.

Irene's Early Life and Resilience in North Carolina (1927-1949)

Mavis Irene Walls Johnson, the oldest daughter of Bennett Graham Walls and Irma Candis Stancil Walls, was born on October 1, 1927, in Wilson County, North Carolina. She had one younger sister, Ethel Mae Walls Collier, who was three years her junior.

A challenging loss marked Irene's early childhood. Just four months shy of her fifth birthday, her mother, Irma Candis, passed away at the young age of 24 on **May 14, 1933**, in the Cross Roads Township of Wilson County, North Carolina, due to uremia and nephritis. Irma was also pregnant at the time of her death and was buried in the Howell Cemetery. Irene carried few, fading memories of her mother from those early years.

Following Irma's death, her sister, Rose Annie Stancil Boykin, moved in with Bennett to help care for Irene and Ethel, remaining until Bennett remarried. Bennett later married Coralia Hawley. Irene found comfort and kindness in her step-grandmother, Maggie Ferrell Hawley, who taught her to knit. Both Irene and Ethel also learned to sew on their late mother's treadle sewing machine.

Growing up on tenant farms in Wilson County, Irene began helping out at a young age, as the family's livelihood depended heavily on their share of the tobacco crop. Her father, a skilled carpenter, moved the family to a new farm almost every year. To relax, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Irene and Ethel attended various churches throughout their childhood, including Newsom Chapel Church.

Irene graduated from Lucama High School, after which she moved to Raleigh. Determined to further her education, she worked her way through Hardbarger's Business College, graduating in **1946**. Her talent was quickly recognized; she was initially hired by an oil company, but the President of Hardbarger College soon asked her to return and work for him, a testament to her capabilities.

Arthur's Early Life and Their Meeting (1926-1949)

Arthur "Art" Eugene Johnson was born on **February 5, 1926**, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He pursued higher education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

It was in Raleigh that Irene met Arthur through her roommate. Arthur, a student from Charlotte, was attending North Carolina State University at the time. They began dating, their relationship blossoming into love, and they were married on **December 17, 1949**, at a Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

Building a Life and a Business in California (1950-2007)

Arthur graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree in **June 1950**. He began his career working for Carboloy, a division of General Electric. After 16 months of training as a die specialist in Detroit, he was transferred to Los Angeles, arriving in California on **November 1, 1951**. Initially intended as a temporary move, both Arthur and Irene quickly grew to love California, deciding to make it their permanent home.

In **1954**, Art and Irene embarked on an entrepreneurial venture, starting their own company, **Carbide Products Company**, in Torrance, California. This pioneering company was the first carbide production on the West Coast. They specialized in unique equine dental equipment, developing, marketing, and selling what became known as Johnson Blades - ultra-precision ground float blades used by veterinarians and farriers for the care of horses' continuously growing teeth. Irene was deeply involved in all aspects of this successful and unique business.

Arthur and Irene welcomed two sons into their family: **Steven Arthur Johnson** and **Gary Eugene Johnson**. Their commitment to family extended into their business, and in **1999**, Carbide Products Company officially became a family enterprise, with their son Gary and daughter-in-law Ann becoming involved. Gary used his expertise to develop and build special computerized equipment for the manufacture of the specialized blades, while Ann took charge of marketing, including attending conventions to demonstrate their product.

In **1968**, Arthur and Irene moved into a new home on Lorchbluff Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes, which would be their residence for many years.

They became proud grandparents with the birth of **Gina Summer Johnson** in **2001**.

After decades of dedicated work, Art and Irene began scaling back their involvement in Carbide Products, ultimately retiring completely by **2007**.

A Life of Service and Personal Joys

Beyond their successful business, Irene dedicated much of her life to helping others. In the late 1960s, a friend taught her how to crochet, a skill she used to create Afghans for her siblings and sons. In **1968**, inspired by a newspaper article about the need for newborn baby caps, blankets, and lap robes at Providence Hospital, Irene answered the call to service. She joined the hospital auxiliary, meeting monthly to bring her handmade items and receive donated yarn. She even purchased special colors of yarn for her more creative projects. Irene remained a dedicated member of the auxiliary for over 40 years, losing count of the hundreds of items she lovingly crafted.

Irene's compassionate spirit also led her to volunteer at Royalwood Care Center in Torrance, California, for over **26 years**. Her friendly smile and innate ability to connect with older residents made her a favorite. She offered her many talents, including giving manicures, haircuts, mending clothing, and crocheting lap robes. More than anything, Irene was there for conversations and listening, making everyone she met feel important and cherished.

Arthur, despite being raised in the city, had a particular enjoyment for country music, with Johnny Cash being his favorite artist. Irene often marveled at this, as she, who grew up in the country, did not share his musical preference!

Later Years, Loss, and Enduring Spirit (2009-2016)

Sadly, in **January 2009**, Arthur was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Despite surgery, the cancer persisted, making eating impossible. Arthur, knowing his time was near, found peace and was ready. He passed away on **April 9, 2009**, at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, surrounded by Irene, Steve, Gary, Ann, and Gina. He was laid to rest in a graveside service at Green Hills Memorial Park, at 27501 S. Western Ave. in Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles County, California.

In **April 2010**, Irene received a special visit from her sister Ethel, who flew out from Wilson to spend a glorious week with her. The sisters remained in close touch, speaking often.

In **July 2010**, Irene faced her own health challenge when she entered Torrance Memorial Medical Center for a heart stent insertion. Despite a challenging blockage, a heart roto rooter drill was successfully used to open her artery, a testament to medical advancements.

As years passed, Irene suffered from arthritis, which eventually limited her ability to continue her cherished volunteering at Royalwood Care Center. Though saddened, she found solace in knowing she had brought joy to so many for over a quarter-century.

For her last 2½ years, Irene resided in her Rancho Palos Verdes home with the assistance of a caregiver. In her final days, she developed several serious problems, including septic shock, heart issues, and respiratory complications.

Mavis Irene Walls Johnson died peacefully at 1:45 p.m. on **October 10, 2016**, at the age of 89, in the hospital. She was laid to rest in Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, buried beside her beloved Arthur Eugene Johnson.

Legacy and Remembrance

Irene will be remembered for her unwavering kindness and profound caring for others. She had a unique ability to see a need and humbly fill it, whether by helping newborns at the beginning of life or comforting those near its end. She cheerfully eased pain and brought smiles to countless faces, taking time to listen and offer a gentle touch. Her life was a testament to over half a century spent in service to others.

Her sons, Steve and Gary, were very close to their mom and dad. As Steve shared, "My mother was a genuinely good soul, and I treasured her company."

The enduring impact of Irene and Arthur Johnson's lives continues to be felt by their family, friends, and all those whose lives they touched.