Johanna Christa Short, 96 of Iuka, Mississippi, died Thursday, January 5, 2023, at NMMC in Iuka. Born in Amsterdam, Holland, Mrs. Short was raised in Germany during the second world war. Although she was a firsthand witness to the horrors of war; her stories of hope, resilience and humor never grew old in the telling. As the war ended and Allied troops liberated Germany, she and her sisters worked for the US ARMY in various roles. In the subsequent years when U.S. Forces were occupying and rebuilding Germany, she met a soldier from Paden, MS, James Lee Short. His sergeant, Otis “Red” Redmond was dating Johanna’s sister, Annie, and Johanna and James met on a blind double date. Thus began a relationship and marriage of 57 years and shared duty stations at times with Annie and Otis. While stationed in Virginia, their son Pete came along. During 1970, Johanna led the family while James fought for his country in Vietnam. When James retired, the family moved to the Midway Community and ultimately joined the wonderful family at Springhill Methodist Church. Even after James’ passing, Johanna continued to care for her yard and became a constant sight on her riding lawn mower. Mrs. Short is survived by her son Pete and his wife Audrey; and her friends and church family at Spring Hill Methodist Church. Johanna was preceded in death by her husband James; her sisters Annie, Marie, and Corrie; her brother Hans; and her parents, Johann and Maria Paulus Christa. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, at Spring Hill Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. J. B. Burns. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Corinth National Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Trussell, Harry Bowman, Johnny McKee, Ed Senn, Lamar Bolton, and the men of Springhill Methodist Church. Visitation is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, at Spring Hill Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Spring Hill Methodist Church. An online guest book may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.