Obituary of Gloria Y. Johnson

Gloria Y. Johnson, 84, of 24 Cobbe Circle, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing. She was born January 7, 1930 in Warren, Pa., a daughter of the late Ray E. and Dorothy Albright Johnson, and was a graduate of Jamestown High School. Gloria was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Lakewood for 25 years. She was a member of Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and volunteered at WCA Hospital for many years, receiving the 'Volunteer of the Year' award in 2010. She also enjoyed swimming regularly at the Boys & Girls Club. Gloria is survived by a son, Brad (Diane) VanDewark of Haines City, FL; three grandchildren: Nathan VanDewark of Washington DC, Jacob VanDewark of Dickinson, ND and Meghan VanDewark of Grass Valley, CA; a brother, Robert Johnson of Sun City, CA; a step-daughter, Karen Shuver of Jamestown and step-son, Gary F. Johnson of Lakewood; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her dearest family friend, Rose Raines of Falconer and close friend, Diane Prusik, whom Gloria considered her adopted daughter. She was preceded in death in 1970 by her first husband, Charles Richard VanDewark; second husband, Franklin W. Johnson in 2003; a son, Brian R. VanDewark in 1983; and two sisters, Janice Axelson and Marilyn Edstrom. A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 1st in Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church. The Rev. Rick LaDue and the Rev. Jacqueline Rhodes will officiate. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the service Sunday in the church. Memorials may be made to Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church, 385 S. Main St., Jamestown, NY 14701; or to a charity of choice.