Althea Fogg Johnson

Althea Fogg Johnson
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. -- There will be a full graveside service on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at 11 a.m., at the South Buxton Cemetery, Buxton, for Althea Fogg Johnson who passed away on April 4, 2011, in Scottsboro, Ala. In the event of rain, the service will be held at the North Saco Congregational Church, at the corner of Heath, Flag Pond and Rocky Hill Roads.
She was born in Saco on Feb. 5, 1919, the daughter of Sumner and Mildred Fogg who owned a dairy farm located on the Simpson Road. She was the valedictorian of the Thornton Academy (Saco) Class of 1936. She was an accomplished pianist and organist having been taught by Ruth Olive Roberts.
After graduation, she was employed at the offices of Mutual Fire Insurance Co. in Saco. She continued to enjoy giving piano lessons to many in the area during these years.
She married Walter G. Johnson in 1943 while he was serving his country during WWII in the U.S. Army. Upon his return they moved to Massachusetts as he began his career in the air conditioning and refrigeration corporate world. Althea supported Walter in his career with moves to Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York with final retirement in Montgomery, Ala., where they lived for many years before locating to Scottsboro, Ala., for the last few years. Althea was a devoted wife and mother lovingly raising four children. Everywhere she resided she would play for her friends, her church and donated her time to others playing at gatherings and local nursing homes. Regardless of how far away she lived, each summer she would pack up the children and spend a summer holiday at the Fogg farm.
Althea was known throughout her life for the cards and letters she would write to their many friends and relatives, always keeping them updated on the Johnson family welfare. She never seemed to miss a holiday or a special occasion and would always include a note packed with as much information as space would allow. She was a firm believer in 'Everyone enjoys getting a card!'
Althea was predeceased by her brothers, Harold Fogg of Portland, and Arthur Fogg and Roy Fogg of Saco; and her daughter, Wini Johnson Manzo and her husband Walter. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Johnson Reid of White Lake, Mich., and her sons, Michael Reid of Madison, Ala., and Kevin Reid and his children, Tyler, Madison and Luke of Mt. Clemens, Mich.; Wini's husband John Manzo of Scottsboro, Ala., and their two daughters, Laura Manzo Backes and her husband Chris, and their two children, Nicholas and Lilliana of Peachtree City, Ga., and Sara Manzo Baranauskas and her husband Matthew of Portland, Ore.; a son, Norman and his wife Teresa of Scottsboro, Ala., and their children, Jeremy of Orlando, Fla., and Ambra of Madison, Ala.; and a son, David and his wife Deborah, and their children, Lindsay, Brent and Jenna of Peachtree City, Ga.
In 1810, Rufus Fogg purchased the original property and built the home place on the Simpson Road. His son James Frank continued the farming operation followed by Sumner whose sons Roy and Arthur continued a dairy operation into the 1960s. Althea's passing marks the last of the fourth generation who have lived on the Fogg farm.
Althea was a member of the Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church whose pastor Rev. Dr. Roy W. Hall will be conducting the service. Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.dcpate.com.