Evelyn Bryan Johnson

Evelyn Bryan Johnson

Evelyn Johnson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 11, 2012.
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (AP) - Pioneering female pilot and Guinness world record holder Evelyn Bryan Johnson, known as "Mama Bird," died Thursday, according to a funeral home. She was 102.

Bryan started flying in 1944 and went on to run her own flying service and manage a small-town airport. The Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City said the Morristown resident died Thursday.

"I don't care how many problems you have down on the ground, you forget about them (while flying)," the bright-eyed and barely 5-foot-tall woman known to her students and colleagues as Mama Bird or Miss Evelyn told The Associated Press in 2005.

Bryan was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007 after flying for 55 years and spending the equivalent of seven years in the air. She was estimated to have flown about 5.5 million miles - equal to 23 trips to the moon - and never had a crash despite her share of mechanical troubles in the sky.

She held the Guinness Book of World Records certificate for most hours in the air for a female pilot. She was also one of the first female helicopter pilots.

Her office at Morristown's Moore-Murrell Airport, some 45 miles northeast of Knoxville, was filled with awards, citations and mementos. At 95, she was still managing the airport she had run since 1953, where she had taught more than 3,000 student pilots and certified more than 9,000 pilots for the Federal Aviation Administration.

She was also a member of the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame at Oshkosh, Wis., the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame - she was a Corbin, Ky., native - and the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.

She taught public school for two years before meeting W.J. Bryan while attending the University of Tennessee in the 1930s, where she earned an English degree. They married and moved to Jefferson City near Morristown to start a dry-cleaning business.

When World War II came, Bryan hoped to learn how to fly in the service. He landed at an air base in Florida in charge of laundry.

"He started in to fly but ended up washing clothes. I was washing clothes and ended up flying," Evelyn said in 2005.

Her joy became her work. Both Bryan, who died in 1963, and her second husband, Morgan Johnson, who died in 1977, became pilots. She operated a flying service for 20 years, mostly to train pilots but also to ferry sightseers, passengers and cargo around the country and once to South America. She never crashed.

"(I) had two complete engine failures, didn't scratch either airplane," she said. "Had a fire in the air, but got it down safely. I had a Navaho (airplane) swallow a valve down in the wooly part of Texas where there was nothing around but knotty little hills, and was able to get back 22 miles to an airport. And the minute it touched down it quit."

Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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69 Entries

May 14, 2020

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My heartfelt condolences to the family's...

Harry Simpson

May 10, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Flying the galaxies now.

May 10, 2015

What an inspiring legacy! Come on Hollywood, surely there's one heck-of-a-story/movie to make about this great American!

Orlando

May 10, 2014

I love reading stories like her, about talented, courageous, and sophisticated women. It's so encouraging. Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Mrs. Bryan Johnson. May the family receive the underserved kindness and peace from Our Heavenly Father to endure with your loss – for He is close to the brokenhearted ones.

Robert Harrington

December 20, 2012

What an awesome lady. She gave me my private pilot check ride on a windy day back in 1971. Of all my check rides that's the one I remember most.
Thanks Evelyn,
R. Harrington
Texas

Keith Snider

July 19, 2012

Ms.Evelyn give me my check ride in 1998 and I still remember her advice"never panic Missouri".That has saved me more than once and I remember her every time I fly.I feel privileged to have had her in my life,thanks again Ms. Evelyn.

David Paul Moore

June 19, 2012

Evelyn Bryan Johnson (November 4, 1909 – May 10, 2012) has died. I took my Private Pilot checkride test with her in Sept 1975. Each individual that took tests from her would receive a printed card after he past the test. She wrote about the responsibilities the new pilot has for flying safely.

David Paul Moore

June 1, 2012

What a wonder full life,what a story so glad I got to meet this very great person!

Rick Broomell

May 25, 2012

I met Mrs. Johnson only once about 10 years ago. She was such a wonderful person. I told my wife what a treasure I thought she was; an inspiration. I know she'll be missed by any one who knew her.

Mycena Dickerson

May 23, 2012

What a role models for our young women today ! Mama Bird showed us that nothing is impossible with hard work ! Her example is so needed today. Thank Jehovah God that very soon wonderful people like this will live again,on a beautiful paradise earth where Mama Bird can continue to fly and teach others her wonderful talent ! (Ps.37:11)

Donna Benichasa

May 21, 2012

Dear Mrs. Johnson: your were a trend setter and a very brave women and thanks to you the airline industry has made many advances in modern technology.

May 15, 2012

Lt Col Johnson,CAP,always had a moment and word of encouragement for our CAP or AFROTC cadets during stopovers.
"Mama Bird" was on their lips forever as they came away from meeting her as we walked back to the plane..."Wow-she's awesome" usually followed any comments after meeting with her.
What an inspiration for todays' youth as well as us older colleagues. Thank You,Ma'am,
CAP and Pilots everywhere.

May 14, 2012

Lean on the Most High God of all comfort during these difficult days. He will be your support as you struggle to cope with your loss.

Barb C

May 14, 2012

Evelyn your accomplishments give me chills your life story amazing. As Barb M from Grove City Oh I really wish I could of met her. RIP Evelyn among the stars.

Barb Cole (NJ)

Lillian Eng

May 14, 2012

May it comfort the friends and family of Evelyn that she will return to the days of her youthful vigor and enjoy life without suffering as promised by our loving Creator - Job 33:25.

heather alexander

May 14, 2012

Evelyn has been a trustee of our museum, the International Women's Air & Space Museum, for a long time and will be sorely missed. Such an amazing person!

BARB MINISTER

May 14, 2012

What an amazing woman... wish I could have known her....

Bill Chumley

May 14, 2012

Evelyn, God is still with you!Thanks for the many times I was privileged to "welcomed home" & talk to Evelyn on the radio", as I flew over Morristown & ended my flight, in the "old C210, from Cocoa, Fl to Tazewell (home)and our interesting visits, while "gassing up" for the return trip, during the 70's. I know you were an inspiration to so many, for so many years, as I also "listened in" on your radio conversations with "overflying heavy pilots" headed for TYS, you had instructed.

Jones Family

May 14, 2012

Our sincere sympathy to the Johnson family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Ps. 55:22

Bradley Morgan

May 13, 2012

I began taking flight training in Morristown at age 15.I had known Evelyn for several years and I always passed by her office to hear a story or two.Great memories.Blue skies,Moma Bird.

Eva

May 13, 2012

RIP Evelyn and thank you for inspiring even after you are gone.

Ramon' Morris

May 13, 2012

Thank You Evelyn for teaching me the joy of flying. I learned from the best! 704YE and I will miss you but will never forget you!

May 13, 2012

I EXPRESS my condolences to family and friends may the GOD the comfort be with you in this time of grief, 1 corin 1; 3,4 GA.LITHONIA.

May 13, 2012

I EXPRESS my condolences to family and friends may the GOD the comfort be with you in this time of grief, 1 corin 1; 3,4 GA.LITHONIA.

May 13, 2012

A fantastic women who lived life fully and obviously shared her passion for flight with many fledgling aviators. She will be missed by many. I wish I could have taken this lady to lunch and talked flying...
- Frank St.Cyr, Army Master Aviator (Knoxville TN)

Verlie Horner

May 12, 2012

Personal visits with Evelyn was always such a pleasure of her talking of the vast experiences encountered as well as flying with her on many occasions. A truly memorable experience!!

Jennifer Howren Johansson

May 12, 2012

Evelyn's signed book was a gift to me in 1999 when I was instructing and had occasion to visit Morristown and meet her. I was amazed at the stories of such a brave pioneer of aviation. I'll have her memory with me in the simulator Monday at the FedEx interview. I know she'll be looking down and laughing, helping me through! Thank you Evelyn for your legacy. I am honored to have known you.

Tami Tufts

May 12, 2012

RIP Superstar! Thank-you for being such a pioneer and role model for women everywhere! Wish I could have known you! God bless you!

Steve Slagle

May 12, 2012

May you fly forever in Heaven.

Steve Slagle

May 12, 2012

May she fly forever in Heaven.

The Clark's

May 12, 2012

I am proud to have known of Miss Evelyn she was a treasure to those who knew her at the va. She will be missed.John 6:40

Larry Dietz

May 12, 2012

Dear Johnson Family: How blessed we are in this area as well as the aviation community to have had Mama Bird in our midst. Her presence was a real gift and it was always fun to just fly in to chat with her. Glad I knew her since my first check ride in 1980. Those of us who knew her will always miss her!! We know now she is 'flying higher with the angels.Larry Dietz, Knoxville,Tn

May 12, 2012

To the the family of Evelyn Johnson - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.

Sandy Parker

May 12, 2012

Miss Evelyn was an amazing woman! The world is far better for her having been in it.

May 12, 2012

I am sorry to hear of the passing of this National Treasure. I had the honor and pleasure of learning to fly with "Miss Evelyn". Also, nominating her for the National Aviation Association Elder Statesman Award, which she won. I will always value her judgement and influence she had in the aviation community.
Rick Bowling
Major General, CAP

Jeffrey Neville

May 12, 2012

I knew of Miss Evelyn through fellow veteran aviator and check pilot Roy Riser who shares a similar history. She was a treasure to us all, as is Roy - these two are rare birds of a feather, and now one has flown from this earth. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

May 12, 2012

Miss Johnson & my brother-in-law, Charles O. Rainwater, took me flying for my 50th birthday. It was an adventure I will never forget! Two Wonderful people I was blessed to know. Now they are both sharing their wings in Heaven.
Paul D. Maples

May 12, 2012

May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all Evelyn's memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna

May 12, 2012

I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time of grief.

May 12, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the Johnson family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

Doris Cates

May 12, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Marla Sloane Emerson

May 12, 2012

I was a student pilot and flew to Morristown to have her sign my copy of her book "Mama Bird." I was thrilled to get to meet this legend of aviation. Now she has made the ultimate cross-country: a flight to heaven! God Bless You, Mama Bird!

Sandra Langeland

May 12, 2012

There's a new set of wings in heaven now!
Wish I had known her.

Dale Rhoades

May 12, 2012

It sounds like she was quite a lady.

Margie Olson

May 12, 2012

What a Great Story ....

Cynthia.S

May 12, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bonnie Bentley

May 12, 2012

You'll be giving flight tests and handing out wings in heaven. You're love for our family and special kindness to Tracy will never be forgotten. We will miss you.

May 12, 2012

May it comfort you to know that God, as well as others, care about your feelings at this time of your loss.

Sincerely,

Jim Rogers

May 12, 2012

I once took a lesson from her while vacationing in Tennessee just to have her sign my log book. A really nice lady.

Terrrel Jamett Clark

May 12, 2012

We have five pilots in our family and one was in WWII. Also we had two good women friends that were pilots. Sounds like Evelyn and both of here husbands had very good lives and were active together. God bless her and the family.

Donna Stansberry

May 11, 2012

Thank you, Evelyn, for your love and encouragement for the last 48 years. I thank God for you and know I'll see you again.

Camille

May 11, 2012

Longevity is a blessing from God.(Psalm 90:10) . . ."In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, . . ."
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Kelly Shadoan

May 11, 2012

Wow. I never had heard of Evelyn until I read about her in the paper. After researching her life I feel honored to have done so. What an extraordinary woman. I know she will be missed.

Ivy

May 11, 2012

God Bless You ! Now, you are in even higher skies with your Maker ! Rest In Peace, Evelyn.

May 11, 2012

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. She touched the lives of many and she will be missed by all. May she be fondly remembered by the God of all comfort.

~Victoria&Andrew

May 11, 2012

UniQue Admired
Talent of Source..
Our sentiments to
EVELYNN BRYAN JOHNSON

May 11, 2012

May our Heavenly Father comfort you all during this time of deep sorrow.

J. Mcghee

May 11, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Susan

May 11, 2012

How cool to have been such a trailblazer! It's wonderful to see how someone is such an example, especially as a woman well before her time. Kudos to her and the example she made for us. RIP!

May 11, 2012

Awesome, simply awesome individual ! My desire to take flight instruction has now "soared"! Maybe she can send guidance from above. RIP, Ms. Evelyn - see you in the sky !! (D. Hebert - BatonRouge, LA)

May 11, 2012

Simply amazing.

Debbi Harris

May 11, 2012

WOW....what a woman. May this wonderful lady now be flying with the angels.

John Kelly

May 11, 2012

What an amazing person to have completed all she did in her life and still enjoyed living to the fullest.
I am very sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet "Mama Bird" as a fellow pilot.

Traci Groome

May 11, 2012

Sounds like she was an amazing lady. I would have loved to have met her. May she RIP!

Christine Gibson

May 11, 2012

Family

What a wonderful woman, a dear leader in the Airline industry you cannot top her! May all the dreams she left for other woman soar beyond sight. Go lady, go you are now free! Thanks for the leadership!
Sincerely

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May 14, 2020

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May 10, 2016

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