Johanna Boren

Johanna Chapman Boren, of Keller, TX, peacefully went to her heavenly reward on Saturday, Feb 8, 2025. Born September 18, 1934, Johanna was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Alfreda Chapman, her husband Carlton Boren, her in laws, Clyde and Leta Boren, and first cousin Daralene Carson of Oklahoma City, OK. She is survived by daughters Libby McMillan Henson (Joe) of Greenville, SC; Jennifer Boren of Fort Worth, TX; grandson Jackson Stewart of Santa Barbara, CA; step-grandson Matthew Stewart of Kalispell, MT; and step-grandson Matthew Henson of Greenville.

Johanna spent happy younger years in Norman, OK, where her mother was assistant to the Dean of School of Engineering, and her grandmother lived across from the OU campus. Her father, a geologist, attained work in Bartlesville, OK and then Cisco, TX, where Johanna graduated early from high school. She began her college career at the University of Texas, living in the Scottish Rite Dorm, as her father was a Mason. She transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where she got her degree in home economics, fashion design and merchandising and pledged Alpha Chi Omega sorority with her cousin Daralene’s introductions. It is here at OU where she met her future husband, Carlton. They married at the McFarlin United Methodist Church in Norman and began their life in Elk City, OK, where Carlton’s father Clyde owned a NAPA auto parts store. They spent two years in Fort Polk, LA when Carlton was drafted, Johanna’s job the ordering of provisions and planning of meals for the base. 

They returned to Elk City, OK, Carlton taking over the reins of his father’s business, Boren Auto Parts, later adding Ace Hardware. Johanna became a dedicated mother, enjoying cooking, sewing and gardening. Daylilies were her favorite focus, as her mother, a national rose judge, had special knowledge of hybridizing them (later Johanna would join the Albuquerque Daylily Society). She played tennis, golf, bridge and was a yoga enthusiast for 30 years. Health and wellness and self-care were always top priorities. Johanna also had a lifelong passion for fashion and creating a beautiful home. She was known for the lovely parties she hosted, and for always looking beautifully put together. She was a supporter of the Red Carpet Community Theater (appearing in their first production) and the Symphony Guild.

Johanna was a member of Elk City’s First Presbyterian Church (taught Sunday school, member of the ladies Circle group, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels). She, with Carlton, enjoyed being members of the Elk City Golf and Country Club and the Elks Lodge. And she and Carlton loved their little cabin with the bluebonnets at Foss Lake. As an Alpha Chi Omega alum (eventually a 50-year member), she helped many girls in Elk City through “rush” at OU. She was invited to join PEO organization, also becoming a 50 year member, earning the esteemed "golden girl" status.

She was fortunate to travel to many beautiful places including Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Wyoming, Alaska, California, New England, countless national parks and all throughout Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Favorite restaurants and meals from her travels were a special memory for her.

 She retired with Carlton to their beloved Sanibel Island, Florida before moving to New Mexico and homes in Albuquerque (near daughter Jennifer and grandson Jack) and Cloudcroft, then Alto Lakes, a favorite golf spot in the mountains near Ruidoso.

Johanna was an avid reader during most of her life. Autobiographies were her favorite, but she also read fiction, devotionals, and the Bible: 21 times, in many different versions. She enjoyed discussion about current events and politics. A lover of the arts, she attended many ballets, numerous operas in Santa Fe and San Francisco, many Broadway shows and had a special affinity for the great western artists and even cowboy poetry. She had many musical favorites from Reba McEntire and Willy Nelson (loved his harmonica player) to Celine Dion and Andrea Boccelli. And she loved hearing Carlton play his sax and clarinet and of course tell his many jokes. She and Carlton lived briefly near daughter Libby and husband Joe in Greenville, SC until the end of Carlton’s life in 2015. Johanna was happy to have celebrated 60 years with him.

In her final years, Johanna lived in Grapevine then Keller, Texas (Fort Worth area), where she had reconnected with former classmates, and lived independently near daughter Jennifer. She continued to enjoy cheering for her OU Sooners, watching PGA golf, CMT, Hallmark, PBS and Smithsonian.

 She was a member of White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake but also enjoyed worshipping online with St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Johanna was a kind and tactful mentor to many throughout her lifetime and always managed to inspire and uplift those around her, even in her final days. She will be greatly missed.