Pearl Elizabeth Johnson

Ms. Pearl Elizabeth Johnson, also known as "Libby", was a blessing sent from God on January 23, 1948, in Taylor County, Florida. She was the daughter of the late Ismael Mannings and Ella Gilmore Mauldin. As a little girl, Libby was raised by her grandparents, the late Nettie and Leroy Gilmore of Perry, Florida, whom she loved dearly. She was later reunited with her mother, Ella Gilmore Mauldin, in Riverhead, New York, and eventually moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where she graduated from the old Weaver High School the class of 1966. Pearl pursued further education for secretarial school and was employed by the City of Hartford in various departments, retiring after thirty-five years from the Department of Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Additionally, she worked part-time at Jai Alai and later at Winners off-track betting for over twenty plus years. Pearl was a people's person with a lively spirit who enjoyed helping others and had a genuine interest in individuals from all walks of life. Pearl was an advocator, protector, and nurturer to the voiceless. Pearl loved fashion, interior decorating, shopping, and staying updated on the latest trends. Pearl also enjoyed volunteering and giving back to her community, which was important to her. Pearl cherished taking vacations, going on road trips, hosting family events, and making her famous potato salad and candy yams. She enjoyed supervising her daughters, especially during family events. Pearl enjoyed going home to Florida. Her faith in God was central to her life, and she loved reading her Bible and reflecting on passages from Psalms. Pearl Johnson is survived by her two daughters, Deirdre Johnson of Hartford, Connecticut, and Elyssa (Lyle) Goodridge of Hartford, Connecticut. Brother, Ronald Mauldin of Windsor, Connecticut; her two godsons, Michael Davis of Windsor, Connecticut, and Chad Felder of Hartford, Connecticut; her three grandsons: Jonathan Barnes, Jaden Barnes (Makenna), and Tyrell Goodridge all of Hartford, Connecticut; and her great-granddaughter, Queeniya Goodridge of Hartford, Connecticut. Favorite niece, Chantel (Troy) Copeland of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; nephews, Colin Dinnie and Glynn Napper. Great-nieces, Tasharia Webb and Trayona Cheatem. Pearl is also remembered by her special devoted daughter, Barbara (Cleophas) Holder of Bloomfield, CT, and her special grandchildren children, Saleena (Kevin) Bascomb and Tiana Holder. Pearl is survived by her special sisters: Linda Parker, Devon Edwards and Deidra Williams. Pearl Johnson was preceded in death by her fiancé, Arthur Hinds; her granddaughter, Talea Barnes, her brother, Bruce Mauldin, nephew, Tracy Cheatem, cousin, Sandra Davis, and sister in law, Gwendolyn S. Mauldin.