Obituary of Gladys A. Johnson

Gladys A. Johnson, 86, formerly of 62 Widrig Ave., passed away Monday, July 11, 2011 at Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing. A lifelong resident of Jamestown, she was born January 20 1925, the third child of the late William E. and Mildred E. Richey Anderson. She graduated from Jamestown High School and went on to receive a nursing degree from WCA Hospital. Gladys worked at Bellevue Hospital in New York City during World War II before returning home to Jamestown to marry Walter H. Johnson on April 14, 1951. She was preceded in death by Walt, who passed away in 1987, as well as by her older brother, W. Fred Anderson. Gladys' love of children made her instrumental in starting the day care center at the YWCA in the early 1960's, and she looked after many children over the years. She also ran the nursery during services at First Presbyterian Church, where she was a lifelong member. After retiring from these two positions, Gladys spent many happy hours babysitting for various area families. She enjoyed travel and was able to go on several trips with Walt to both England and Bermuda. After Walt's passing, Gladys traveled with her sister and many friends to Turkey and many other locations. She is survived by a daughter, Chris Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO; a son, Brian (Nancy) Johnson and grandson, Kyle Johnson of West Carrollton, OH; and a sister, Helen Card of Jamestown and sister-in-law, Lois Szabrak of Sandusky, OH and their families. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 22 in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Thomas A. Sweet will officiate. Burial will be in the Myrtle Cemetery. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.