Obituary of Phyllis M. Johnson

Phyllis M. Johnson (Stenander) passed away on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 in her home surrounded by her family after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. She was the beloved wife of Allen Emmett Johnson, "the love of her life", who she married on June 23, 1962 at Bethel Lutheran Church. Together they spent 59 wonderful years together. One thing that can be said of Phyllis and Allen is that they were soulmates: always together as a team and always helping each other. Together they raised a beautiful family, served their church, traveled, and spent many years directing at both Camp Onyahsa and Camp Mission Meadows. Phyllis was born in Jamestown on January 25, 1941 to Dorothea (Nelson) & Evert Stenander. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1959 where she was a member of The National Honor Society and continued her education at SUNY Fredonia. She worked at the former Bigelow's Department Store and in the Jamestown Public Schools for 25 years as a teacher's aide specializing in reading. Phyllis was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for many years, was a member of the Cradle Roll, and the Altar Guild. She has been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) since 1978. Along with her husband, she started a Christian fellowship bus tour group called the Immanuel Cruisers. Each year they planned several bus tours with plenty of fellowship, food and a "mystery stop"! She strived to live her life as a devout Christian, always having a positive attitude and following the words of her favorite bible verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5. She came to be known as the "card lady". Each year she would send hundreds of cards to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, express sympathy, or to just give someone a little boost. Her calendar was so full of dates to remember that some lucky souls would get 2 cards to celebrate a momentous occasion! Phyllis always enjoyed both giving and receiving flowers. Even as her sickness progressed, a beautiful bouquet would always bring a smile to her face. Phyllis was always fun to be around, and everyone enjoyed being in her company. She had the gift of hospitality and was a wonderful caring host. Holiday dinners would include not just family, but anyone that she felt would be alone. Her family was always uppermost in her mind and she took great pleasure in planning extravagant birthday parties and special day trips for the family. As an avid Buffalo Bills fan, she enjoyed hosting football parties and attending games when possible. One of her prized possessions is a photo that she had taken with quarterback Jim Kelly. Her friends and family will miss the caring, wonderful, always-smiling Phyllis that they remember. In keeping with the way that Phyllis lived her life, the family suggests honoring her memory by sending a card, doing a Random Act of Kindness, or helping a friend in need. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Allen; children: Michael (Cathleen) Johnson of Albuquerque, NM, Kelly J. Myers of Jamestown, NY, and Tim (Jennifer) Johnson of Panama, NY; grandchildren: Morgan Johnson (Mike), Maddie, Nathan and Shane Johnson; great-grandchildren: Jordan Johnson, Jackson Frangione, Mason and Logan Smith, and a sweet baby girl on the way; brother, David (Becky) Stenander of Gainesville, GA; brother-in-law, Richard (JoAnne) Johnson of North Port, FL; and brother-in-law, Dan (Tatjana) Johnson of Arcade, NY. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Herb and Sharon Stenander; sister-in-law and husband, Patricia and Joe Santilli; daughter-in-law, Victoria Johnson; and numerous aunts and uncles. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care whose team members showed great compassion and understanding during this difficult time, with Special Thanks for the care so generously given by nurse Kris, aide Laurie, Carna, Gretchen and others who have helped. Michael, Kelly & Tim would also like to thank their father, Allen for his dedication and unfailing love as he took care of Phyllis throughout her illness. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Pastor Daniel S. Soderberg will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Following the service there will be a light reception at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 40 Hallock St., Jamestown. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, for two hours prior to the service in the funeral home, where masks are required at all times. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; Camp Mission Meadows, 5201 E. Lake Rd., Dewittville, NY 14728; or a charity of one's choice.