IFCO’s Loretta Johnson Passes; Visitation Set
Loretta Johnson died Monday, April 13, following a long battle with multiple myloma. She was 67 years old. With sisters Loudilla and Kay, Johnson was the co-founder of the International Fan Club Organization (IFCO). Begun in 1967, IFCO’s annual concert and get-together was the precursor of Fan Fair (now known as the CMA Music Festival). The IFCO show proceeds are always given to charities. The organization also gives out the annual Tex Ritter Award to deserving music-industry figures. The sisters created the original Loretta Lynn Fan Club, being attracted to the star because of the two Lorettas sharing the same first name. It became a model for country-music fan organizations, which led to the formation of IFCO. In recent years, the sisters have particularly concentrated on up-and-coming country artists.
Visitation for Loretta Johnson will take place Monday, April 20, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Clark Funeral Service in Beaver, Oklahoma. The funeral service will be at the town’s Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Elmwood, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to The Loretta Johnson Medical Fund Contribution Account, Bank of America, 133 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 OR mailed to IFCO – Loretta Johnson Medical Fund, P.O. Box 40328, Nashville, TN 37204.
Because of Loretta’s illness, the sisters have not been able to plan an IFCO concert for this year’s CMA Music Festival. Promoter Rod Harris has announced instead a show billed as, “For the Love of IFCO, a benefit for Loretta Johnson.” It will take place on June 9 at The Nashville Palace.
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I am deeply, deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Loretta Johnson. The Johnson sisters have been such a dear part of my musical life since being in Nashville. Loretta’s love of life and country music was quite an inspiration. She was not one to give up and I think that’s why she was able to fight for so long. My husband Bob and I send love and light to Kay and Loudilla. Our thoughts are with you both.
-Victoria Shaw
I don’t think Loretta and her sisters lost the fight, I think they won. Their loving care and stubborn spirits succeeded in winning many additional years of life for her. Even when it looked darkest, they refused to consider giving up.
I’m always surprised that the Johnson sisters’ work at IFCO doesn’t appear to be as well-known as it deserves to be. This is a fan-driven market and their ability to educate and mobilize a singer’s fan team has given many a young artist a much-needed boost, and to many of them even a second chance. I always encourage my students to make IFCO one of the first stops on their career path.
My deepest sympathy to Kay and Loudilla. Your sister will be missed.
Renee Grant-Williams
My deepest sympathy goes to the family. I have called on Kay and Loudilla to get my tickets for the IFCO show during the Fan fair/CMA Festival for 6 years now. They have been such a great help and put together a wonderful show for the fans.
I know the loss is difficult, but the greater reward is Loretta is watching over us now. She has finally earned her wings after such a courageous battle. She will be missed so.
God Bess and happy memories will keep us all smiling.
Terry Parrish
Fan from MD.
My heart felt sympathy goes to Kay and Loudilla, I know that Loretta will be missed in this world, but as I am sure she would say, “Don’t worry about, cuz I’ll be harrasing your butt.” She was full of love and has a spirit that we all want. These three “Ladies of Country” are the best and deserve more recognition than has been given to them in the past years. IFCO is and always will be my fan club. Love you Loudilla and Kay, Lorette will be missed by all but forgotten by none.
Charlie and Glenda, Friends from Florida.
Loretta will be sadly missed she was so supportive of indie artists and helping to get our fan clubs noticed
God Bless….The AmyBeth Fan Club