Regina Johns

 Regina Gail Johns of Nixa was born July 13, 1949, to Earl E. and Juanita (Phipps) Bilyeu in Greeley, Colorado where her father was attending college. She died at her home on January 9, 2025.

She graduated from Greenwood High School and received her bachelor's and master's degrees from SMS and then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Board-Certified Counselor and a Certified Psychological Examiner.

She was an English teacher and/or counselor for several southwest Missouri schools including 19 years at Nixa Schools. She is an honorary lifetime member of the Nixa PTA and was recipient of the Nixa Schools' Volunteer of the Year Award.

Regina served as the state president of the Association of Community Task Forces and Vice-President of the Southwest Missouri School Counselors Association. She was a Missouri 100's Community Team Leader, a Peer Helper trainer and facilitator, a board member for the Missouri Peer Helpers Association, an American Red Cross Mental Health Worker Crisis and Trauma Counselor and a team leader for the Southwest Missouri School Counselors Association Crisis Team. After retiring she counseled in private practice for several years.

She had a special gift for counseling and a number of times she ran into former students who had her as a counselor in school who told her that she had saved their life by listening to them and helping them sort through the problems.

Regina loved all kids. She also loved nature and animals, riding her special horses over the farm, and rescuing countless dogs and cats and assorted other critters over the years. She served as a zoo ambassador and education docent for Dickerson Park Zoo. She was a volunteer for Pet Therapy of the Ozarks, visiting hospitals and nursing homes with her special cat, Buddy.

She and the love of her life, Paul Johns, were united in marriage on June 23, 1978. She is survived by her husband, Paul; her son, Christopher Johns; a daughter-in-law, Joey; and two beloved grandchildren, Alexander and Lindsey Johns. She often referred to her son as “the best work of my life.”

Regina requested that there be no services.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.