Gladys O. Johnson

Gladys O. Johnson As many did during the Depression, Gladys left school (in the 11th grade) to augment family income. During WWII she became a member of the Machinist's Union and began work at Todd Shipyard keeping track of ship patterns which could be as small as 1 inch or so large as to need many people to carry them around. Following the war, Gladys met and married Stanley and began performing the special duties of a policeman's wife, homemaker, and eventually mother. During their marriage Stan and Gladys demonstrated their mutual creativity around their home in the North End. They became widely known for their award-winning outdoor Christmas decorations. She was known for her lovely good-natured ways and the fact you'd rarely see Gladys without her much-complimented jewelry adorning her outfits. She loved to wear that jewelry. She loved word games. Her last years spent at Point Defiance Village were fun for her, and she picked up a new talent as a watercolor artist, although she was modest in her assessment of how good her paintings were Gladys's constant companion was Jesus, and she frequently stated He'd always help her find things she'd misplaced. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband Stanley M. Johnson, her sister Irene (Swanke), and parents Edwin G. and Hedrick O. Duncan. She will be dearly missed by many. Gladys' loving survivors include her brother E. Paul Duncan of San Jose, CA; daughter and son-in-law Jody Johnson and Scott Calkins; son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Kristy Johnson; grandchildren Janet and J.D. Johnson and the Johnson family nephews and nieces Dick, Julie, Mark, and Elly; her grandnephews and grand-nieces, and her great-grandnieces and nephew. Gladys' father devoted years of lay ministry at the Tacoma Rescue Mission and consequently she was a lifelong donor to their work in our community. Donations in her name to their cause are appreciated by her family. Viewing will be held on Wed., April 20th from 10am - 9pm. Services will be held Thursday, April 21, 2011 in the Mountain View Garden Chapel at 3pm with refreshments to follow. (253) 584-0252. Please sign the online guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com