Refugio
Lorene Emily Johnson
1923 — 2023
Lorene Emily Johnson was born on January 14, 1923, in Shiner, Texas, to Henry Balusek, Sr. and Rosie Hubka Balusek. The family moved to Woodsboro, Texas, when Lorene was five years old and eventually made their home in Refugio, Texas. She attended Refugio High School and later worked at the Cardinal Restaurant as a carhop, roller skates and all. Lorene married John Hugh "Jack" Johnson on March 1, 1942. They lived in Refugio and had four children: Rita Sue, Jerry Francis, Nancy Lorene, and Peggy Lynette. Jack and Lorene opened Johnson's Grocery Store in the early 1950s and Johnson's Meat Market in the early 1960s. They operated these successful businesses for many years. Lorene also worked at...