Cody H. Johnson passed on from our world in the early morning hours of September 19th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Cody was born at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville on October 30th, 1981, to Emma And Robert Johnson. His older brother, Justin, had been waiting on his arrival for a few years. He was interested in the world around him from an early age, from spending time with his Grandad Charlie in the garden, to biking around Fayetteville with Justin, frequenting the local shops and eateries and likely causing a little mischief along the way.
Cody became enamored with live music in his early teens. He taught himself how to play bass fast and loud, like the bands he went to see around town. He and Justin formed several bands together, playing countless shows throughout the region. The Johnson brothers worked tirelessly, organizing punk shows and events at local venues. Their efforts paved the way for other musicians and artists to find an outlet for their work to be seen and heard. The lasting impact of Cody and Justin’s band Genome Chomsky is still evident in the ethos and aesthetic’s of the DIY punk scene throughout the region.
Cody’s love for the humanities was sparked in the early days of his education through Fayetteville Public Schools. His insatiable curiosity was catalyst to a lifelong quest for knowledge. He was a voracious reader, and spent his hours after school perusing the shelves of the Dickson St. Bookstore. He graduated from Fayetteville High School with the class of 2000, and continued his education at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where he pursued his Bachelor’s in Ecology and Environmental Science, however his passion for food and cooking was so great that he returned to Fayetteville to pursue a career in culinary arts.
Cody was an accomplished chef and baker, his work reflecting the same uncompromising integrity he applied to everything else in his life. His dedication to his craft was evident in his relentless pursuit of the perfect recipe, sometimes taking years of development to satisfy his high standard. This relentless pursuit of deliciousness quickly earned the respect of his peers. His breads and pastries became sought after by local coffee shops, markets and other area restaurants. He educated many young aspiring cooks and bakers over the years, as well. He would pass his knowledge down, all the while continuing to explore new methods and recipes and experiments with his teams. The learning never stopped for him.
Of all of Cody’s many talents and accomplishments, his favorite was being the Papa Bear for his two daughters, Madeline and Elinor Johnson, and devoted husband to the love of his life, Molly McGraw Johnson, his wife of seventeen years. The two wed in September of 2009 and Maddie came along two years later. The three of them settled in Southeast Fayetteville, with their dog Scout. Several years later, in September of 2020, Ellie came along. Cody’s love for his three girls was immense. He found happiness in his service to them; often times cooking them dinner, reading books at bedtime, or parading them around to local parks, enjoying fresh air in the outdoors that he loved so much.
Cody had a massive impact on the world around him, giving of himself to his family, friends, and community. He was a guardian and a mentor to so many. He loved with ferocity and an endearing stubbornness to fight the good fight. He never faltered to stand up for his beliefs and speak out against injustice and inequality. Cody’s light still resonates in the hearts of the many that love him so dearly.
Cody’s celebration of life will be announced as the family finalizes plans. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Cody’s name to the World Central Kitchen organization
Cody was preceded in death by:
Grandad Charlie Yerton and wife Laverne Yerton, Uncle Ed Yerton, and Grandparents Don Johnson and Leila Johnson.
He was survived by:
- Wife, Molly Johnson and daughters, Madeline Johnson and Elinor Johnson, of Fayetteville
- Mother, Emma Johnson & Step Father Don Hardgrave of Fayetteville
- Father, Robert Johnson & Step Mother Sandra Johnson of Springdale
- Brother, Justin Johnson & Wife Misty Macks, along with his niece, Vyvian Johnson , and nephews Izzy Johnson and Finn Johnson, of Fayetteville
- Grandmother Melva Benear of Fayetteville
- Aunt Sandra Yerton
- Parents In-Law, Kimberly & Michael Vanderpool of Fayetteville.
- James & Karen McGraw of Bartlesville Oklahoma
- Sister In-Law, Alyson & Chris Miller of Oklahoma with nieces Avery Tingler and Ryan Tingler, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma
- Brother In-Law, Josh & Ashley McGraw of Iowa
- Jordan McGraw
- Cousin Brian Yerton of Missouri