SETH
AND NEVA JOHNSON
FAMILY NEWS
NOTE: We have a new family website at:
www.sethnevajohnson.org
All news articles published after 22 May 2009 will be
posted on the new site.
Older
articles are being transferred
to the new site. Eventually all
family news
articles,
old and new, will be available on the new website. Explore the new
website!
We'll
give you the latest family news hot off the press. You provide the
story - we'll post it here. Come back often to catch up. And don't
forget to provide your OWN FAMILY NEWS!
Has someone moved? Has there been a birth in the family? Has someone
passed away? Who's getting married? ... or just say hello to your
cousins online!
Margie
Ann Lough to graduate from Creekview High School in Ball Ground, GA
|
May 22, 2009
Margie
Ann Lough, daughter of Brian Keith and Neva Lillian Flomer Lough, will
graduate from Creekview High School on Friday, 29 May 2009 in Ball
Ground, GA. Margie Ann is the granddaughter of John Robert and Margie
Helen Albritton Flomer and great-granddaughter of Walter Matthew and
Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
Congratulations,
Margie Ann! We wish you the best of luck following graduations. Family
members can send their love and congratulations to:
Margie Ann Lough
650 Northwoods Dr.
Ball Ground, GA 30107 |
Mary
Elizabeth Bush to graduate from Pensacola High School
|
May 22, 2009
On
Thursday, 28 May 2009, Mary Elizabeth Bush will graduate from Pensacola
High School International Baccalaureate. In the Fall, Mary Elizabeth
will attend Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA. She
was
awarded a full scholarship to the university.
Mary Elizabeth is
the daughter of Gregory "Greg" Eugene and Dr.Suzanne Hubbard
Yancey
Bush, granddaughter of Dr. Thomas Hubbard and Jeanne Susanne Johnson
Yancey and great-granddaughter of David Glenn and Vaunita Oswald
Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita).
Good luck to you at W
& L, Mary Elizabeth! We are very proud of you! Family members
may
send their love and congratulations to:
Mary Elizabeth Bush
1750 Yates Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32503
|
Johnson
Family Members invited to attend the Johnson Family Reunion in Elliott,
Iowa
|
May 22, 2009
The
Iowa roots of our Johnson Family are still deep and strong! Every year
they continue the tradition of holding their own Johnson Family, and,
as always, they have graciously invited all their Alabama (and beyond)
cousins to join them in this annual family celebration on Sunday, June
14. Please see the invitation below and consider the visit. They always
warmly welcome their Deep South cousins!
|
Amanda
Berkstresser to undergo heart surgery |
May 20, 2009
Amanda
Berkstresser, wife of James "Jim Bo" Berkstresser, got the unfortunate
news that she will need to have surgery in the next few days to implant
a heart defibrulator. Please see the Johnson Health
Report
blog for a full report on Amanda's situation. Jim Bo is the son of
Laurida Emily Albritton Berkstresser and a grandson of Walter and
Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
Amanda,
we will be thinking about you in the coming days. Hope all
goes
very well! Family can send get well wishes to Amanda at
charleneb225(at)elmore(dot)rr(dot)com |
Jeremy and
Elizabeth Johnson expecting |
May
19, 2009
We
were delighted to receive a message from Jeremy and Elizabeth Johnson
that they are expecting their first child in mid-September. They will
name her Taylor Mackenzie. Jeremy is the grandson of Gene and the late
C. Mac Johnson (Aunt Gene and Uncle Mac).
Family members can keep in touch with Jeremy and Elizabeth by snail
mail, phone, or email:
3775 Adams
Place
Millbrook, AL 36054
Phone: 334 290-3850
Email: ejohnson(at)alabamawildlife(dot)org
Good luck to you, Jeremy and Elizabeth. We wish you the best. Let us
know when the big day comes in September!
|
Josephine
"Josie" O'Brien Rountree in poor health
|
May 14, 2009
We
are sad to hear that Josephine "Josie" Pierson O'Brien Rountree has
been diagnosed with cancer. Her daughter Tana Lynn Rountree has been
very good about keeping family members up to date on her mother's
health status. We thought we would share those messages with you here
as we receive them in this Health
Report.
Josie
is the daughter of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson Johnson O'Brien
(Uncle Joe and Aunt "Dot").
Please keep Josie in your thoughts and parayers as she continues to
fight this foe. Send your love and get well wishes to:
Josephine Rountree
2810 Belmont Dr.
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
We are praying for your recovery, Josie. And as Tana requests, we will,
"get the Johnson prayer chain going!!" |
Welcome, Chloe
Elizabeth Zeepuga Hill! |
April 17, 2009
On
22 March 2009, Chloe Elizabeth Zeepuga Hill was born to James Daniel
and Amandiy Hill at Cooper Green Hospital in Birmingham, AL. This sweet
baby girl is Daniel and Amandiy's first child. As you can see, Chloe,
just a few hours old at right, is healthy and doing very well!
Click here for a larger photo.
Chloe
is the granddaughter of James Allen and Barbara Lurene "Bobbie" Johnson
Hill and great-granddaughter of Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall Johnson
(Uncle Wylie and Aunt "Dolly").
Welcome, little Chloe! Family
members can send cards of love and congratulations to Daniel and
Amandiy at 1113 Greensprings Avenue South, Birmingham, AL
35205. |
Military Family
of Parley Philip, Jr. and Callie Johnson safe at home in the United
States |
April 10, 2009
March
was a wonderful time for homecomings and reunions in the Parley Philip
Johnson, Jr. family! Luke McIntyre Johnson was able to visit on a few
days leave from
Camp Pendleton, CA with his father and mother, Parley P. Jr. and
Callie, in DeFuniak Springs, FL. Luke returned to Camp Pendleton with
his dad to greet brother/son Parley Philip ("Tracy") Johnson, III on 18
March on his
safe homecoming from Iraq. Tracy had been in Iraq since August, 2008!
It was a great reunion for Tracy and Luke, especially, since
the
brothers had not seen each other since Luke went to boot camp in 2006
(and later to Okinawa, Japan).
Also,
Callie Elizabeth "Beth" Johnson Graham welcomed her husband Joey home
at MCAS New River, NC on 24 March after his service in Iraq! Beth is
the daughter of Parley P. Jr. and Callie Johnson and sister of Luke and
Tracy. Beth and son Kaden lived in FL with the family while Joey was in
Iraq. In early March, Luke and Parley P., Jr. took their
sister/daughter to Camp LeJune so that she could prepare for Joey's
arrival. Beth, Kaden and Joey's parents were there for the wonderful
homecoming.
So
now, at long last and thankfully, all of Parley P., Jr. and Callie's
children are safely back in the United States. They remain in service
in the United States Marines. Parley, Jr. reports, "Luke is now with
the 1st Marine Division at Camp Horno, located on Camp Pendleton, CA.
Tracy returns to his duties at the 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp
Del Mar Beach, also located on Camp Pendleton." Joey Graham, with Beth
and Kaden, is stationed in Camp LeJune, NC.
Parley
Philip Johnson, Jr. is the son of Parley Philip, Sr. and Edith
Christine Fail Johnson (Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine). Parley and
Callie are doing well. Callie is still working, and Parley is retired
from his work at Ft. Rucker. He is looking forward to spring turkey
season!
Welcome
home, Tracy and Joey! And thank you all once again for your sacrifice
and service to
our country! Family members, you can send messages of thanksgiving and
congratulations to Parley and Callie to
parley(at)fairpoint(dot)net.
You can write to Luke at depths_of_oblivion(at)yahoo(dot)com.
|
Carrie
Nicole Berkstresser picked as a People to People Australia Boomerang
Ambassador
|
March
4, 2009
Congratulations
to Carrie Nicole Berkstresser for being chosen as a student ambassador
in the People to People Australia Boomerang Program. She will visit
Australia this summer to learn about that country's government, people,
and cultural history and to share that knowledge when she returns home
to Deatsville, AL. Carrie B. needs the family's help, though, to make
this great journey. Any assistance would be appreciated!
Carrie
is the daughter of Richard Kyle (Jr.) and Leigh Ann Lewis Berkstresser,
granddaughter of Richard Kyle and Laurida Emily Albritton Berkstresser,
and great-granddaughter of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson
Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
For more
information, read Carrie B.'s letter below. Also, here is a
wonderful Power
Point presentation that she created herself about her trip a while back to California. Check
it out!
Again,
congratulations, Carrie! We know you will represent your state and your
family well in Australia!
Dear Family
& Friends,
I
was recently recommended and accepted to participate as a student
ambassador for Alabama in the People to People Australia Boomerang
Program this summer from June 6th through 22nd. During this seventeen
day adventure I will visit Sydney, Canberra, Darwin and Cairns.
Activities will include visits to the Sydney Opera House and the New
Parliament House to learn about their system of government and
political history. I will also go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef,
be part of an outdoor service project, visit with local Aboriginal
people, and explore museums and national parks in the Australian
outback and wilderness. I will have the opportunity to spend two nights
with an Australian family and actually go to school with students from
the family.
I
am currently asking my family and friends for financial sponsorship to
help me with tuition, and I hope I can count on your support. President
Dwight D. Eisenhower founded People to People in 1956. He believed that
if people from different cultures could come together in peace and
friendship, so eventually would nations. I have also been endorsed and
recommended for this trip by Governor Bob Riley.
People
to People student ambassadors are carefully evaluated before their
acceptance into the program. I am an honor student in the 8th grade at
Holtville Middle School. My family and I are active members of Mt.
Hebron Baptist Church and I am an active member of the youth group
participating in many mission projects and activities. I am also an
assistant to the Wednesday night Mission Friends program. I am excited
to share my experience with my peers, family, and friends when I
return. As a student leader I can earn high school credit because of
the many educational elements in my program.
The
program tuition is $7239 which includes meals, transportation,
accommodations, and educational activities. Is it possible for you to
assist me by making a contribution?
Please
show your support by sending a donation to Carrie Berkstresser at 316
Lewis Road, Deatsville, AL 36022. If you have any questions please call
334-569-0910. Thank you in advance for your gracious consideration and
support.
Sincerely yours,
Carrie Nicole Berkstresser
Student Ambassador
|
Walter
Albritton,
Jr. recovering from cataract surgery |
March 4,
2009
We're
happy to report that Walter Albritton is reovering nicely from cataract
surgery on his right eye. On Feb. 22, in his weekly column "Altar Call"
featured in the Opelika-Auburn
News,
Walter focused (pardon the pun) on his experience through this medical
procedure. In that week's column, entitled "Another old man qualified
to talk about his cataract surgery", Walter wrote "My surgery last week
went as smoothly as the good doctor had promised." He hopes to have the
same surgery on his left eye soon.
Walter Matthew Albritton, Jr.
is the eldest child of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson Albritton
(Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
This is wonderful news,
Walter. We're all wishing you a very complete and speedy recovery!
Family members can send get well wishes to him at 289 Leigh Avenue,
Wetumpka, AL 36093 or send email to him at:
walbritton(at)elmore(dot)rr(dot)com |
Gloria
Alexandra Johnson Named SEC Gymnastics Freshman of the Week for Her
Performance in LSU Victory over Alabama
...and
again the next
week! |
February 17,
2009
Update
March 4, 2009
See the UPDATE below.
Gloria
Johnson was a shining star on the Louisiana State University Gymnastics
Team on Friday night, February 13, as the Tigers defeated the Crimson
Tide at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. Her best routine of
the evening was on balance beam where she scored a career-high 9.825. For her brilliant overall
performance, Gloria was named SEC Freshman of the Week in Women's
Gymnastics!
This
was a high-stakes match-up. At the time, Alabama was ranked No. 5 and
LSU was ranked No. 11 in national rankings. This was only the second
time that LSU had won against Alabama and the first time since 1976.
Gloria came through for her team and for her university.
As you may recall, Gloria is at LSU on
a full scholarship in gymnastics. See
this story on the Johnson Family website.
Read more
about Gloria's award and the LSU victory here.
(You can read about this and all of the LSU Women's
Gymanstics program here.)
If you are in Louisiana, "Cox Sports Television... [will] re-broadcast
the LSU/Alabama gym meet ...Thursday [2/19/09] at 9:00 p.m. Central
Time on cable systems that carry Cox Sports Television. In Baton Rouge,
that's Channel 37." (We'll check to see if there is a re-broadcast
scheduled in Alabama.)
Gloria
Alexandra Johnson is the daughter of Seth James ("Jimmy") and Isadora
("Dora") Risquet
Johnson and the granddaughter of Orson Alexander and
Iberia Louise Pierce
Johnson (Uncle "Pete" and Aunt Louise).
We are
very proud of you, Gloria! Family
members
may send congratulations to her at father Jimmy Johnson's email
address, SJohnson(at)agcenter(dot)lsu(dot)edu.
UPDATE! Gloria
earned SEC Freshman Gymnast of the week for the second week in a row!
Click on the site below for the story with picture.
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=3677803&DB_OEM_ID=5200
http://secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=13&url_article_id=12262&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 |
Christmas
News from Don and Tami Sellers
|
December 29,
2008
So
much has happened in the lives of Don and Tami Sellers (Donald Everett
and Tamara Liane Dawson Sellers) since we posted the news
in August, 2005 of Don's training and deployment to Iraq.
One great piece of news is the birth of their son, Rylan Everett
Carmichael Sellers, now age 2, pictured at right. Click the photo to
see more pictures of Rylan and his family. Read on for all the news
sent by Tami.
Don
returned home from Iraq safe and sound in March of 2006. He spent the
summer training at Fort Carson in Colorado. On November 24th, 2006 we
were blessed by the early arrival of Rylan Everett Carmichael Sellers.
He was born at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. He weighed 6
lbs 9 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long.
In
March of 2007 we were moved to Fort Eustis, VA. It is a much smaller
duty station, but we are close to the Jamestown Historic Triangle.
There is so much history here.
In
January 2008 Don was deployed on a USARSO Mission. He spent seven
months in the Caribbean/ Cuba area. While on mission he was
promoted to Sergeant. He came home in July and we have been spending
the last several months finally being a family. He will be serving as
an Armorour.
Rylan is the grandson of James Mills
"Jim" and Katheryn Irene "Kit" Tillery Sellers, great-grandson of Emily
Katheryn Veder Tillery, and great-great-grandson of Henry Paul and
Emily Fay Johnson Veder (Uncle Paul and Aunt Emily Fay). Tami sent several more cute photos of Rylan.
Although belated, welcome home, Don! We are thankful for your safe
return and thank you for your service to our country.
Family members can write to Don and Tami at tds3278(at)hotmail(dot)com. |
Christmas News from
Andy & Terry Johnson |
December
29, 2008
We
received some cute Christmas photos from Andy and Terry Johnson (Orson
Alexander "Andy" (III) and Terry Diane Norsworthy Johnson)
of their little girl, Amber Louise, pictured right. She was ready for
Santa Claus to come soon! Here's a note from Mom, Terry, about 11 Dec.
2008...
Andy
and I are doing great and trying to get ready for Christmas.
It won’t
be long now. Here are a few pictures of Amber I thought you
might like
to see. She is growing and learning more and more
everyday. She keeps
us busy.
Seems like just yesterday when we posted the news of
Amber's birth in 2006!
Amber Louise is the granddaughter of Orson
Alexander "Alex" Johnson, Jr. and his first wife, Brenda Fay Talley
and great-granddaughter of Orson Alexander "Pete" and Iberia Louise
Pierce Johnson (Uncle Pete and Aunt Louise). Terry also has two sons,
Jason Corey Smitherman and Douglas "Doug" Eugene Smitherman, Jr..
See all of Amber's Christmas photos here. |
UPDATE to the Johnson Family
Reunion 2008 |
November
24, 2008
Many more photos have been added.
Collection now includes photos from Neva Williams, Craig Wiegand,
Parley Johnson, Dottie & Gary Ennis. Photos on
display at the reunion are posted. We're working on getting the video
presentation about David Glenn Johnson, Sr. (Uncle Dave) posted, also.
(Having a little tech problem because it's a pretty large file!
Hopefully....)
See the Family Reunion 2008 photos here.
|
Veterans'
Day 2008 |
November 23,
2008
Veterans'
Day 2008 in Birmingham was a day to remember, honor and give thanks.
Members of the Seth and Neva Carmichael Johnson family were honored to
salute the veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms
and continue to do so to this day. Under a crystal blue Fall
sky, the
family rode in the Veterans’ Day Parade in a wagon drawn by a beautiful
black Percheron mare, “Mary”, owned and driven by Joe Bullard and his
Uncle Ottis Massey, both of Blountsville, AL, and proud veterans
themselves. Mary, a giant of a draft horse standing 18 hands high and
weighing in at 2000 pounds, was quite a site and drew many “ooohs” from
the onlookers. The wagon was festooned with stars-and-bars bunting and
displayed large banners on either side that announced, “The Johnsons,
family members served in the Revolutionary War and all wars since. We
salute our fellow veterans.”
Johnson
Family members riding in the parade wagon were Wylie Pierson Johnson
(our Uncle Wylie, U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II) and his daughter
Melanie Fay Johnson, Judy Nora Johnson Davis (daughter of our Uncle
Parley Philip
Johnson, Sr.) and her husband Ronnie (Veteran of the U. S. Coast
Guard),
Orson Lucius “Pete” Johnson (U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War) and
wife Jean Williams Johnson and their granddaughter Natalie Celeste
Johnson (daughter of David Hayes Johnson). See the photos.
Thank
you very much, Judy and Ronnie, for coming up from DeFuniak Springs, FL
and arranging to bring Mary and the wagon to Birmingham. It was a
wonderful and memorable day in so many ways!
See
photos of the parade here.
|
Welcome,
Breanna Ava Eggers! |
November 16,
2008
Newborn
Breanna Ava and her mother, Kelley Diane Blair Eggers
|
Breanna Ava
Eggers, age 1 week
|
Edith
Christine Fail Johnson with great granddaughter Breanna Ava Eggers, age
5 weeks
|
Click on a photo above to enlarge
it.
Click here to see more photos. |
Back
in October, 2008, we received some wonderful news from Parley Philip
Johnson, Jr.. Here is the message announcing the birth of his
great-niece:
Miss
Breanna Ava Eggers was born 8Sep08 @ 9:08PM in Montgomery , AL She is
the daughter of Kelley Diane nee “Blair” Eggers and her husband Mike
Eggers. Breanna weighed in at 4lbs but at one month old today she
weighs 6 lbs 15 oz. Baby and Mom doing fine, but the new Mom’s blood
pressure needs to calm down a little. Kelley is an
auditor with the
State of Alabama and Mike is an electronics tech and works with the
City of Montgomery keeping all the street lights in working
order..
Kelley is the daughter of Carol Blair ( Carol recently retired from
Senate Accounting Dept, State of ALABAMA ) and the granddaughter of
Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine.
Welcome,
Breanna Ava! Family members, send your congratulations to Kelley and
Mike to Kelley's Uncle Parley via email to
parley(at)fairpoint(dot)net
(or ask Parley to send you direct correspondence info for Kelley and
Mike).
|
Margaret Emily Berkstresser weds
Dr. Keith Krawczynski in Wetumpka |
September
17, 2008
We
are pleased to announce that on Monday, 15 September 2008, Margaret
Emily Berkstresser and Dr. Keith Krawczynski were married in Wetumpka,
AL. Margaret's
Aunt Margie
Helen Albritton Flomer, pictured above, attended the ceremony and
served as a witness for her niece. Hopefully,
many of you met Keith at the Johnson Family Reunion
in
August. Margaret ("Gigi") is the daughter of Laurida Emily Albritton
Berkstresser and granddaughter of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson
Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline). The newly-weds will reside
in Montgomery. Their address is:
Dr. and
Mrs. Keith Krawczynski
3049
Cloverdale Road
Montgomery,
AL 36106
Welcome to
the family, Keith, and congratulations and best wishes to both of you! |
David Glenn Johnson is remembered
at the 2008 Johnson Family Reunion
|
August
18, 2008
UPDATE November 24, 2008
David
Glenn Johnson, Sr. is remembered at the 2008 Johnson Family Reunion
Thank
you one and all to those of you who attended the Johnson Family Reunion
at the Seth Johnson Elementary School! (We are so sorry that some of
you could not attend. We missed you!) We had a most enjoyable
celebration of the 100th anniversary of David Glenn Johnson's (Uncle
"Dave") birth. Mouth-watering dishes prepared by Johnson
family
members were enjoyed at lunch. We were conducted on a wonderful tour of
the Seth Johnson School Library and saw the very impressive array of
books made possible by family donations. There was a photo
display of
the Dave and Vaunita Johnson Family, and we were touched by a video
presentation by David Glenn Johnson, Jr. as he recalled the
life
and legacy of his father.
The
"Johnson Family Recipes" cookbook was
published at long last and copies were provided by Wylie Pierson
Johnson to all grandchildren of Seth and Neva Kate Carmichael Johnson.
Uncle Wylie will also soon be mailing out copies of the cookbook to the
grandchildren who were unable to attend the reunion (and who didn not
have a family member there to pick one up for them). Thank
you very much, Uncle Wylie, for providing this wonderful family
heirloom to all your nieces and nephews. He's even going the extra mile
to make sure they are received! For those of you who want more copies,
we will post ordering information here soon.
Reunion
Photos are posted! Please share
yours.
We
have some great photos of the reunion for you to see. Neva Caroline
Albritton Williams, daughter of Walter
Matthew and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt
Caroline) sent a link to a great set of captioned photos. Also, Craig
Wiegand, husband of Vaunita Marguerite Johnson Wiegand,
daughter of David
Glenn and Vaunita Marguerite Opal Oswald Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt
Vaunita), sent some of reunion
preparation, reunion celebration, and a post-reunion family excursion
to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre. We also have all those
wonderful
photos of the
Dave and Vaunita Johnson family that you saw on display
at the reunion.
UPDATE 24 NOV. 2008 - even more photos added
from Parley Philip
Johnson, Jr., son of Parley Philip, Sr. and Christine Fail
Johnson (Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine), and from Dottie & Gary Ennis.
Dottie is daughter of Julian Morris and Neva Carmichael Johnson Bassett
(Uncle Julian and Aunt "Johnnie"). We're working on getting the video
presentation about David Glenn Johnson, Sr. (Uncle Dave) posted, also.
(Having a little tech problem because it's a pretty large file!
Hopefully....)
Thanks to one and all for sharing. See
all the photos here.
Do you have
pictures of this year's reunion? Would you share? Please send to
johnsonreunion(at)brooknet(dot)com or mail to:
Jean Johnson
3716 Old Leeds Rd.
Birmingham, AL 35213
Thank
you!! |
Wylie Charles Murphy passes |
July
6, 2008
We
are saddened to report that Wylie Charles "Charlie" Murphy passed away
in the afternoon of Saturday, 5 July 2008, at the Prattville Baptist
Hospital. Wylie Charles' first cousin
Rev. Walter Albritton, Jr. will officate. Born
12 April 1958, Charlie was 50 years old. Charlie was the fifth
child of John Gribbin "Johnny" and
May Nora "Katie" Johnson Murphy (Uncle Johnny and Aunt Katie). The
memorial service will be held in Prattville, AL at the Hunter Hills
Church of Christ on Tuesday, 8 July 2008, at 6:00 P.M.. Hunter
Hills Church of Christ is located in Prattville, AL west
Interstate I-65 Exit 181, about 10 miles north of Montgomery. Click
here for a map.
Charlie is
pictured at right as a Boy Scout on 8 March 1970.
We
send our deepest sympathy and love to Aunt Katie and all of her
family. Please keep them in your prayers. Letters and cards may be sent
to Aunt Katie at this address:
Mrs. Katie Murphy
908 Judkins Road
Cecil, AL 36013
Obituary
of Wylie Charles "Charlie" Murphy
Published 8 July 2008, Montgomery
Advertiser |
Bob and Betty Wells Baker
celebrate 56 years of marriage |
July
6, 2008
On
29 May 1952, Betty Lois Baker was wed to Robert Leonard Wells. They
recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary! Congratulations,
Bob and Betty!
Betty
is our cousin through the Summers and Beavers progenitors of
Grandmother
Neva Kate Carmichael Johnson. Betty is the daughter of Iva Lois
Pucket Baker, granddaughter of Alura Elizabeth "Lizzie" Summers Pucket,
gr-granddaughter of William Franklin Summers, gr-gr-granddaughter of
our common ancestors, Elias E. and Elizabeth Beavers Summers.
Grandmother Johnson was daughter of Manora Alzada Summers Carmichael
and granddaughter of Elias and Elizabeth Beavers Summers.
Wylie
Pierson Johnson (Betty's
2nd cousin - once removed and our
Uncle Wylie) recalls that Betty's
grandmother, Lizzie Summers, and his mother, Neva Kate Johnson (our
Grandmother Johnson), were close friends. Lizzie was raised by her
grandparents (Elias and Elizabeth Summers who were also Neva Kate's
grandparents). Lizzie's mother died in the same year that Lizzie was
born.
Again, congratulations, Bob and Betty. May you
have many more years to love and honor each other. |
A
wonderful wedding celebration in Houston for Kari Starr and David Beck |
August 23,
2008
UPDATE!
Sharon
Johnson Starr, mother of the bride, attended the 2008 Johnson Family
Reunion at the Seth Johnson Elementary School on 16 August 2008. It was
great to see Sha, AND she brought this lovely photo (see at right and click for enlarged
photo)
of the May 17 wedding of Kari and David! The photo is of (L to R) Jean
Williams Johnson and husband Orson Lucius "Pete" Johnson, Sharon "Sha"
Johnson Starr, bride
Karrera Irene “Kari” Starr and groom David
Wilson Beck,
III,
Melanie Fay Johnson, and her father Wylie Pierson Johnson (Sha's Uncle
Wylie and Kari's great-uncle). Thank you, Sha! What a wonderful wedding
it was in Houston. If you haven't already, read below about the event
and the fun time had by all in Houston!
*********
June 6, 2008
As
reported previously,
on 17 May, 2008, Karrera Irene “Kari” Starr married David Wilson Beck,
III at the Church of St. John the Divine in Houston, TX. It was a
wonderful occasion for celebration and an opportunity to visit among
three branches of the Seth and Neva Carmichael Johnson families. Kari
is the daughter of Sharon Johnson Starr and granddaughter of Luke and
Shirley Roach Johnson (Uncle Luke and Aunt Shirley). Wylie Pierson
Johnson (Uncle Wylie) and his daughter Melanie Fay Johnson came from
Birmingham. Also coming from Birmingham were Orson Lucius “Pete” and
Mary Jean Johnson. Pete is the son of David Glenn and Vaunita Oswald
Johnson.
We
have some pictures posted here
of a lovely "going away" brunch hosted by Marianne & Carter
Crain
(friends of the family), Julia Thompson (friend of the family) and
Shirley Johnson (Kari’s aunt and Sha’s twin sister) and her husband,
Norm Chanin. The photo at right, taken at the brunch, is an example.
Pictured, left to right, are David and Kari Beck (the groom and bride),
Sharon "Sha" Starr (mother of the bride), Melanie Fay Johnson (Sha's
& Shirley's 1st cousin), Pete Johnson (another 1st cousn to Sha
and Shirley), and Shirley Johnson (Sha's twin sister, aunt of the
bride). Click
to see enlarged photo.
Uncle Wylie and Melanie Fay had to return to Birmingham following the
brunch, but Pete and Jean stayed on a few days to see the sights, visit
the court, and enjoy the company of the extensive Johnson family making
their home in Houston. Visit the photo page
to read more about this wonderful weekend and the days following and to
see pictures of all. We don't have pictures of the wedding yet, but we
hope
to have those posted soon, also. Stay tuned! Uncle Wylie, Melanie Fay,
Pete and Jean wish to thank our Houston Johnson family members for
their very gracious hospitality! Read all about it on the photo page!
|
News from the Parley P. Johnson,
Jr. family
|
June
4, 2008
Parley
Philip Johnson, Jr., son of Parley Philip and Christine Fail Johnson
(Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine), had much to share with us recently
about this active military family. Parley and wife Callie Gail Pickeron
Johnson have two sons, Parley Philip, III and Luke McIntyre, and one
daughter, Callie Elizabeth. Parley writes,
Parley
Philip III (CPL USMC) is coming home for a few days leave from 11 June
- 1 July. I am to pick him up in Atlanta, GA at the airport.. He just
completed his Associate of Arts Degree thru night school with the
University of Central Texas. Parley III is scheduled to redeploy to
IRAQ in August.
Luke McIntyre (CPL USMC) is in the Philippine
Islands on temporary duty assignment thru Sept this year. He is
scheduled to rotate back to the continental US mainland in February
2009 (next year) after he completes his 2 year tour of duty with the
12th Marines in Okinawa Japan.
Both of my Marines are doing great.
Our
daughter Callie Elizabeth and grandson Kaden are scheduled to come home
in August this year while our son-in-law Joey Graham (CPL USMC) is
deployed for a 7 month cruise with the NAVY. Callie Elizabeth is
actively seeking education & employment in the medical field.
Presently she is working at the Onslow County Hospital in Jacksonville,
NC as a Medical Technician ( patient transporter).
My wife,
Callie Gail and I are working full time jobs and spending our free time
fixin up our little 13 acre patch down here on US Highway 331 in NW
Florida.
The US ARMY has granted an opportunity for early
retirement from civil service here at Ft. Rucker. If approved, I plan
to retire on 30 Sept 2008.
Parley
and Callie Gail, you must be very proud of your children! We send you
best wishes for your well-deserved retirement. And we will be praying
for all your family as they serve our country with honor and
distinction. We look forward to seeing you all at the Family Reunion on
August 16. Meantime, Extended Johnson Family, please send your thoughts
and prayers to Parley and Callie Gail at parleypjr(at)aol(dot)com!
|
Tana Rountree sings at the
Imperial Palace in Biloxi, MS |
May 11, 2008
As
we reported
last month,
Tana Rountree asked for the family's good luck and best wishes for her
pending singing performance on April 23 in a talent competition at the
Imperial Palace in Biloxi, MS. Not only were we thinking of her, but
she also had cousins there to cheer her on in person! In this picture,
left to right are Tana's daughter, Brandi Rountree, Tana Rountree,
Terri Murphy O'Neal, & Terri's daughter, Leigh Anne Collier.
Tana
is the daughter of John Ed and Josephine Pierson "Josie" O'Brien
Rountree and granddaughter of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson
Johnson O'Brien (Uncle Peanut and Aunt Dot). Terri is the
daughter of
John Gribbin and May Nora "Katie" Johnson Murphy (Uncle Johnny and Aunt
Katie).
Find out more about this exciting evening by writing to Tana at
tlr1462(at)yahoo(dot)com! |
Benjamin Seth Johnson graduates
from Cumberland Scool of Law in Birmingham |
June 4, 2008
On
17 May, 2008, Benjamin Seth Johnson, pictured here, was awarded the
degree of Juris
Doctor from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, AL. He was on the
Dean's List. Seth
also earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Management by
Howard
College of Samford University finishing with a 4.0 average. Seth is the son
of Wylie Benjamin "Ben" and Jessica Ann Henry Johnson and grandson of
Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt "Dolly").
Seth plans to continue his legal education. He has been accepted at
George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he will work
toward a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in
Environmental Law. (Click the photo - or here - for a larger image.)
Congratulations,
Seth! Good luck to you on the Bar Exam and your studies at GWU! We know
you will do well, and we will be very proud to have another fine
attorney in the family! Family members can congratulate Seth by writing
to him at sethjohnson80(at)gmail(dot)com.
|
Caroline
Haddox Johnson graduates from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA |
June 4, 2008
On
17 May, 2008, Caroline Haddox "Carrie" Johnson, graduated from Tulane
University in New Orleans, LA. She is the daughter of Wylie Benjamin
"Ben" and Jessica Ann Henry Johnson and granddaughter of
Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt "Dolly").
Carrie received the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Language
Arts. She
is working in a temporary job this summer in New Orleans, and in
August, Carrie will begin as a teaching assistant for the 2nd grade at Audubon
Charter School
in New Orleans. (Sounds like a fantastic school! From the school's
website, "Audubon Charter School is the only public elementary school
in
Louisiana accredited by the French Ministry of National Education in
first through fifth grades.") At right Carrie and her father
are pictured outside of the Louisiana Superdome at Carrie's graduation.
(Click the photo - or here
- for a
larger image.)
Congratulations on your college graduation, Carrie, and good luck in
your new teaching job! We
know you will do well in your carreer in New Orleans. Family members,
send your congratulations to Carrie c/o father Ben at
bjohnson(at)burr(dot)com.
|
Gloria Alexandra Johnson to
graduate from The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, LA |
May
11, 2008
Gloria
Alexandra Johnson, daughter of Seth James ("Jimmy") and Isadora ("Dora") Risquet
Johnson, will graduate from The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, LA on 16
May, 2008. Gloria
is the granddaughter of Orson Alexander and Iberia Louise Pierce
Johnson (Uncle "Pete" and Aunt Louise). You may recall the recent news
reported on this website that Gloria
will be competing in gymastics at Louisiana State University on a full
scholarship.
Congratulations
on your high school graduation, Gloria, and best of luck at LSU! Family
members
may send congratulations to her at father Jimmy Johnson's email
address, SJohnson(at)agcenter(dot)lsu(dot)edu.
|
Johnson Family Reunion in Iowa |
May
11, 2008
Our
Iowa cousins are getting ready for their annual Johnson Family Reunion
in Elliott, Iowa. They sent the announcement below to Uncle Wylie and
invite their cousins down South to attend. You would be warmly
welcomed! Make reservations soon!
|
Spring in Alabama |
May
3, 2008
We
had a time of it with draught in Alabama this past winter, but spring
time finally brought precious rain. And that made our state's natural
landscape all the more lovely. What a great diversity of natural beauty
we have! The picture at right shared by Uncle Wylie (Wylie Pierson
Johnson) can make us appreciate that fact. He is admiring the wild
Alabama azaleas (honeysuckle azaleas) on his property at Halfmile
Shoals in Shelby County, Alabama. (Click picture for a larger image.)
Thank you, Uncle Wylie!
Want
to count your blessings? Just take a walk in the Alabama woods on a
beautiful spring day. It will come naturally. |
Johnson
Family Reunion to be held at Seth Johnson School on August 16th
|
April 10, 2008
The
family of David Glenn and Vaunita Oswald Johnson are pleased to invite
you to the 2008
Johnson Family Reunion. The reunion will be held on August 16, 2008 at
(drum roll please....) the
Seth Johnson Elementary School,
named for Grandfather Seth Johnson! This is a wonderful facility for
the reunion, and we're excited that the family will have the
opportunity to visit the school. Also, we are pleased this year to
celebrate the 100th birthday of David Glenn Johnson (Uncle Dave), born
15 March 2008. More details will be coming soon. Meantime, save the
date for the Johnson Family Reunion - August 16th!
|
Spring
Weddings in the Johnson Family
- Anastasio-Johnson
- Williams-Humphrey
- Starr-Beck
|
April 10, 2008
It's
that time of year! We have spring weddings to announce. (Others?
Let us know. Write to Uncle Wylie at wylie80(at)yahoo.com.)
Jennifer
Ann Anastasio married
Bradley Tucker Johnson
on Staurday, 12 April 2008 at the Holy Name of Mary Church, Eliza at
Verret Street, New Orleans, LA. Jennifer is the daughter of Deborah
Anastasio and Dr. Charles Anastasio. Bradley is the son
of Jane
Elizabeth Tucker and Charles McIntyre Johnson, Jr. and the grandson of
Laura Gene Burt and Charles McIntryre Johnson (Aunt Gene and Uncle Mac).
Haley Ann Williams will wed Matthew Humphrey on Saturday,
17 May 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church
in Wetumpka, AL. Haley Ann is the daughter of Frank Dekalb "Dee" and
Elizabeth Ann Jackson Williams, granddaughter of Billy Gene and Neva
Caroline Albritton Williams, and great-granddaughter of Walter Matthew
and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
Karrera
Irene "Kari" Starr will
wed David Wilson Beck, III
on Saturday, 17 May 2008 at 7:00 p.m. a the the Church of Saint Thomas
the Divine in Houston, TX. Kari is the daughter of Sharon Frances "Sha"
Johnson Starr and the granddaughter of Luke and Shirley Irene Roach
Johnson (Uncle Luke and Aunt Shirley).
Congratulations and best wishes
to these lovely couples! May your life together be blessed. |
Tana
Rountree to
compete in talent competition |
April
10, 2008
Here's a
message just
received with news
of our cousin Tana Rountree...
Tana is singing in a
preliminary round for a talent competition at the IP in Biloxi, MS on
Wed, April 23, 2008 at 7 pm.
[and from Tana...]
So cross your fingers &
say your fingers that I do well enough to advance to the semi-final
round!! For
those of you who live close enough to attend, I hope to see you there
and for those of you who don't, just be thinking about me at 7 on Wed,
April 23.
Thanks!!
Tana
Tana
is the daughter of John Ed and Josephine Pierson "Josie" O'Brien
Rountree and granddaughter of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson
Johnson O'Brien (Uncle Peanut and Aunt Dot).
Good luck, Tana. Yes, we will
be thinking of you on the 23rd!!
|
Gloria Johnson
signs gymnastics scholarship with LSU |
November
24, 2007
On
November 8, 2007, Gloria Alexandra Johnson signed "a National Letter of
Intent for a full scholarship to LSU for gymnastics." Gloria is the
daughter of Seth James and Isidora Risquet "Dora" Johnson and
granddaughter of Orson Alexander and Iberia Louise Pierce Johnson
(Uncle Pete and Aunt Louise). Check out the full story at these great
web site addresses sent by father Seth:
http://www.dunhamschool.org
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=27855&SPID=2171&ATCLID=1312677&DB_OEM_ID=5200
http://www.wafb.com/Global/category.asp?C=4183&nav=menu57_4
("When you get to the WAFB sports webpage on the right hand side go to
sports signing and there is a 10sec video of Gloria signing the
scholarship papers.")
Congratulations, Gloria! We are very proud
of you! Family members can send their congratulations to Gloria in care
of Seth at SJohnson(at)agcenter(dot)lsu(dot)edu.
|
Johnsons
participate in National Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham |
November 24,
2007
Thousands
viewed the National Veterans’ Day Parade in Birmingham, AL on
November 12, 2007. (The parade took place on the day of observance.
Veterans’ Day is actually November 11.) The armed forces marched,
high school bands marched, mounted troupes marched, Boy Scouts and
Veterans marched. There were cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses and
rescue and military vehicles of many kinds. But one vehicle in
particular was VERY SPECIAL to the Johnson Family. The banners on
either side of the car told it all:
THE
JOHNSONS
FAMILY
MEMBERS SERVED IN THE
AMERICAN
REVOLUTION AND ALL WARS SINCE.
WE
SALUTE OUR FELLOW VETERANS!
Riding in the convertible were three Johnson veterans of three
different wars (in chronological order of the wars): Wylie
Pierson Johnson, Navy Veteran of World War II; Orson Lucius
“Pete” Johnson, Army Veteran of the Vietnam War; and Parley
Philip Johnson, Jr., Marine Corps Veteran of the Gulf War. Parley is
the son of Parley Philip, Sr. and Christine Fail Johnson (Uncle Philip
and Aunt Christine). Pete is the son of David Glenn and Vaunita Oswald
Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita). Standing tall and proud in the
back of the convertible and waving hands and American flags
to
parade watchers were Kimberlea “Kimber” Fay Atkinson
(daughter of Ted and Connie Atkinson, granddaughter of Melanie Fay
Johnson, and great-granddaughter of Uncle Wylie and Aunt Lurene Hall
Johnson) and Natalie Celeste Johnson, daughter of David Hayes Johnson
and Anna Harmon, granddaughter of Pete and Jean Williams Johnson, and
great-granddaughter of Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita Johnson. Melanie Fay
helped Pete get the car decorated and “ship shape” before
they pulled off. (Click photo above for larger image.)
View pictures and video of the
Johnsons in the 2007 Veterans' Day Parade.
Prior to the
parade, the
Johnsons also attended the other nationally recognized events in
Birmingham honoring American Veterans. These included the National
Veterans Award Dinner, a formal dress dinner at Birminham's Boutwell
Auditorium on the evening of November 11, 2007. At that dinner, H.C.
"Barney" Barnum, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy
for Reserve Affairs and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, was the
recipient of the National Veterans
Award for 2007. The dinner speaker was Marty
Conatser,
National Commander of the American Legion. Before the parade on
November 12, our Johnson veterans attended the World Peace Luncheon in
Birmingham. The keynote speaker was Lt.
General Steven H. Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Please mark
your calendars
and plan on coming to Birmingham in
November, 2008. If you are one of our many Johnson veterans (or in
active service), you are invited to ride in the parade with our
"Johnson delegation." If you are interested, contact O. L.
"Pete" Johnson at 205 567-1736 or email him at
boysstate(at)brooknet(dot)com. The Veterans Day
Parade has
been a patriotic tradition in Birmingham
since 1957 (the first official observance of Veterans Day in the
nation!), and the Johnsons can be truly proud of their honorable
service to this nation since its founding. So, please come to
Birmingham in 2008 as we honor and thank all American Veterans for
their service and sacrifice, including our own family members! Read more about National
Veterans Day in Birmingham.
|
Seth
Johnson Elementary School gratefully receives family gift |
October
16, 2007
|
L
to R, Elementary Executive Director Margaret Allen, Principal
Jacqueline Campbell, Gene B. Johnson, Orson L. "Pete" Johnson, Library
Media Specialist Joyce Brown at the Seth Johnson Elementary School.
They stand in front of the oil portrait
of the school's benefactor, Seth Johnson, for whom the Elementary
School is named. |
The
descendants of Seth and Neva Carmichael Johnson continue to promote
reading and children's education through their generous gifts. In
early September, Gene Burt Johnson (Aunt Gene) and Orson Lucius "Pete"
Johnson presented a check for $700 on behalf of the Johnson Family to
the Seth Johnson Elementary School Library. The money, collected at the
2007 Johnson Family Reunion and in later donations, was given in memory
of our Grandfather Seth Johnson for whom the school is named. The gift
was greatly appreciated!
On Wednesday, 19 September 2007, the following article appeared in the
Montgomery Advertiser's popular education column "ABCs to ACTs":
Seth
Johnson Elementary
A
monetary gift from the family of the late Seth Johnson, for whom
the school
is
named, was recently presented
to principal
Jacqueline Campbell; Joyce
Brown, library media
specialist; and
Margaret Allen,
elementary
executive director. The
gift
was presented by
Judge Pete Johnson and
Gene Burt Johnson.
This
gift has been given to the school for the past five
years
to add new books to the school library.
Thank you, family members, for your wonderful generosity to the Seth
Johnson Elementary School Library!!
|
Neva
Miriam Scruggs Ennis celebrates a joyous 100th birthday!
|
August
20, 2007
It
was a beautiful birthday celebration for a beautiful lady - so very
fitting. And it was such a grand occasion that it took more than one
day to celebrate it! Neva Miriam Scruggs Ennis, our Cousin "Scrubbie",
was born 14 August 1907, in Gainesville, Florida to Brick Pomeroy and
Sarah Fay Carmichael Scruggs.
Cousin
Scrubbie's mother, Sarah Fay Carmichael, was born in Newnan,
GA on 14
December 1882, to William Spencer and Manora Alzada Summers Carmichael.
Sarah Fay had an older sister in the house when she was born. Her "big"
sister was approximately one year old at the time. Her name was Neva
Kate Carmichael - our own Grandmother Johnson who would be the future
wife of Seth Johnson.
Cousin
Scrubbie's son Gary Morgan and wife Dorothy Lucius ("Dottie") Bassett
Ennis (daughter of Julian Morris and Neva Carmichael Johnson Bassett -
Uncle Julian and Aunt "Johnnie") hosted a lovely Victorian-style
birthday picnic in Cousin Scrubbie's honor on 4 August 2007 at their
home, breathtaking Misty Ridge Farm, in Glenville, North
Carolina (more on that below).
Friends and family came from all over the United States - Florida,
Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, California, and of course North Carolina -
to celebrate and honor Cousin Scrubbie. It was a true testament of the
love they all share for this wonderful lady. All enjoyed a large and
sumptuous picnic lunch, children played lawn games, "Scrubbie stories"
and pictures were shared, and a 15-man choral ensemble serenated
Scrubbie and guests. (Actually, that was supposed to be a
quartet, but
all the group wanted to come when they found out what fun there would
be!) Her party even made the newspaper! Gary and Dottie
hosted 33 of
the guests overnight at their lovely mountain home. What a
spend-the-night party!
Wylie
Pierson Johnson (Cousin Scrubbie's first cousin) and his daughter
Melanie Fay Johnson wanted very much to be with her on her actual
birthday - 14 August - as did her
cousin Orson Lucius "Pete" (son of David Glenn and Vaunita Oswald
Johnson) and wife Jean Williams Johnson. We made the trip up to
Glenville on that day and arrived in time to enjoy an alfresco dinner
with Cousin Scrubbie in the pleasantly cool courtyard of Fidelia
Eckerd, her Glenville residence. We talked and enjoyed each other's
company into the night. Uncle Wylie and Cousin Scrubbie had so many
family stories to share with each other and with the rest of us. By
11:00 p.m. the "youngsters" (cough) were fading fast, but Uncle Wylie
and Cousin Scrubbie (the +octogenarian and the centenarian) were going
strong!!
Gary and Dottie graciously hosted us at their Misty
Ridge Farm. What a treat! They have beautifully restored their 2-story
1870's farm house. It is situated in the middle of a Christmas tree
farm very near a mountain top with a 360 degree view of the Great
Smokies (a view of 7 mountain ranges). That cool, fresh, mountain air
was a wonderful respit from the 100 + degree heat we had left
in
Birmingham. And we were surrounded by lovely flowers (product
of
Dottie's very green thumb) and dozens of butterflies and hummingbirds
that know a paradise when they see it.
On the way back to Alabama on 15 August, we visited the gravesite of
Elias and Elizabeth Beavers Summers in Newnan, GA.
They are the parents of Manora
Alzada Summers Carmichael, grandparents of both Neva Kate
Carmichael
Johnson and Sarah Fay Carmichael Scruggs and thus great-grandparents of
both Uncle Wylie and Cousin Scrubbie.
Here are some photos made 14-15
August 2007 as we celebrated Cousin Scrubbie's 100th birthday and had
fun at Gary and Dottie's home.
Happy 100th
Birthday, Cousin Scrubbie! We love you! Family members,
you can send your own love and birthday wishes to Cousin Scrubbie. Send
in care of:
Gary and
Dottie Ennis
P. O. Box 159
Glenville, NC 28736
or email to Dottie at dlucyb(at)hotmail(dot)com
|
Michael
Dennis "Mike" Zay in ill health
(Last updated 13 Nov. 2007. See end of
article.) |
August
20, 2007
Please
keep our cousin Michael Dennis "Mike" Zay in your prayers. He was
recently admitted to Texas Children's Cancer Center for
treatment. Unfortunately, this happened on the same day that
his brother Thomas
Charles "Chip" Zay, IIIwent
to the University of Alabama to begin his freshman year in
college. Mike and Chip are from Houston, TX. They are the sons of
Thomas Charles, Jr., and Katherine Leigh "Kathy" Dennis
Zay,
grandsons
of Thomas Charles "Tom" and Betty Ann Johnson, and great-grandsons of
Spencer Carmichael and Betty Turk Johnson (Uncle Spencer and Aunt
Betty).
We're
praying for your thorough and speedy recovery, Mike! Family members can
send their get-well wishes for Mike to his home at 11609 Green Oaks,
Houston,
TX 77024.
Update
25 August 2007
Michael's mother, Kathy Zay sent this message to Uncle Wylie Pierson
Johnson on 24 August:
Michael
and I have been at TCH for over a week now....he has been diagnosed
with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Very scary at first, but he has been
given an
excellent prognosis, and already started chemotherapy, and already
feeling much better. We hope to go home sometime
this weekend! The
plan is for him to receive 5 more "cycles" of chemo, 3 weeks apart, so
he will be homebound for school, with teachers coming to the house for
his lessons, for most if not all of this fall semester.
I will keep you posted on his progress!!
Update
31 August 2007
(This
sent from Michael's mother, Kathy Zay, on 26 August 2007)
Dear, dear friends and family,
First,
I want to thank all you so very much for the words of support, love and
prayers and wonderful food that you have sent us. You have
truly kept
our spirits and faith and strength high during the last two weeks!!
Michael
came home from the hospital yesterday, after receiving another short
but strong dose of chemo. He is in good spirits, but a little
tired
today. The CT scan done on Friday shows some shrinkage of the
lymphoma
already, so we are very encouraged by that news!! Earlier
biopsies
show no lymphoma in his bone marrow, skin, or spinal fluid!!
His blood
counts have also remained good so far! We go back to TCH
clinic on
Monday for more blood work and general follow-up, but that should just
be for the day!! I have already relayed this good news to
some of you,
so sorry if I am repeating myself.
We
are so very blessed to have such incredible friends and family with
such incredible faith....you continue to sustain us and we truly do
feel lifted up by all your prayers.
Eternally
grateful,
Kathy, Tom,
Chip and Michael!!
Update
1 October 2007
(This sent from Michael's mother, Kathy, on 1
October 2007)
I
am excited (and relieved) to report that after 2 of 6 chemo treatments,
Michael's scans show shrinkage of the affected areas of 1/3 to 1/2 of
its original size! We are at TCH starting round #3 of chemo
today, so
I will keep in touch!
Update 16 October 2007
(This sent from Michael's
mother, Kathy, on
3 October 2007)
Dear Friends and Family,
I am so very happy and
relieved to report to
you that Michael’s scans done
last week show the cancer
has now shrunk by
1/3 to ½ of it’s original size!!
Praise God!!
He started round #3 of
chemo Monday, and
while he felt really crummy Monday
night, last night he and
our black lab were
chasing each other through the
house as fast as they
could!! :-)
We so appreciate all of
your continued
support and prayers for his complete
healing!!
Kathy....and Tom and Chip
and Michael!
Update 13 November 2007
(This sent from Michael's
mother, Kathy, on
13 November 2007)
Dear friends,
Just
a quick note to update you on Michael’s progress!
We got the results
of the scans that were done last week, and they continue to show steady
progress in shrinking/killing the cancer cells. On one hand,
that was
a huge relief, however, I of course wanted to hear that it
was already
all gone, but that was being a bit too optimistic at this point in
time. We started round #5 of chemo yesterday, and they gave
him some
new nausea medicine that totally eliminated his queasiness, so that was
HUGE!!! Yesterday was so much easier than day 1 of the last
round!!
Best of all, his spirits and energy remain high! The doc gave
him
clearance to go to Tuscaloosa this weekend for the Alabama football
game, too! Awesome....we are going!!!
He is still scheduled
for one more round of chemo after this one. If the cancer
continues to
respond as it has, he will not need any further chemo (beyond round
#6), but will then begin radiation treatments (I think in Dec, maybe
Jan). They are still projecting he can return to school in
Jan or Feb,
which he is looking forward to!
Our specific prayers at this
time are that his body continues to tolerate the chemo well (which I am
appreciating more and more as time goes by), that he continues to
respond at least as well as he has so far (is it too much to ask for
more???), and that the lasting/bad side effects of the chemo are
minimal, if any (of course we want the GOOD effects of the chemo to
last forever!!!!)
We continue to be grateful for your loving
kindnesses and prayers, and we praise God for Michael’s
healing and the
wisdom of the doctors!!
Love to you all,
Kathy
Let's let
Michael know that he is in our thoughts and prayers. His address is
11609 Green Oaks, Houston,
TX 77024. Kathy's email address
is kzay(at)comcast(dot)net.
|
Leigh "Judge" Van Hoose passes
|
August
20, 2007
We
are saddened to report that Leigh "Judge" Van Hoose passed away at 7:10
a.m. on Thursday, 9 August, 2007. He was the brother of our Aunt
Kathleen Van Hoose Johnson. Leigh Mary Johnson McGuffey, daughter of
Uncle Seth and Aunt Kathleen Van Hoose Johnson and niece of "Judge" Van
Hoose, received the news from her first cousin Martha Rice, Uncle
Judge's middle child. Martha wrote, "Please pray for our family. It is
so hard just losing my Dad. ...Pray for safety in travel and we rejoice
that he is no longer suffering and even now enjoying all the glories of
Heaven."
Mary added "[Martha] lives in Natchez with her husband
Bill. Uncle "Judge" is Mama's youngest brother. I am his name
sake.
His real name is Leigh Van Hoose. He was named for Grandmother Van
Hoose's longtime friend Miss Jenny Leigh. Miss Jenny's
husband was a
Judge in Mobile. The nickname came from him. They never had children. I
am very sad to lose him as he was Mama's last remaining sibling."
Our
deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Martha and all of the Van Hoose
Family. Family members may send their sympathies to Mary
at mjmcguffey(at)mindspring(dot)com.
|
CPL Parley P. Johnson, III USMC
promoted to Corporal |
August
20, 2007
On
1 June 2007, CPL Parley P. Johnson, III USMC (known to us as "Tracy")
was promoted to Corporal! His father, Parley Philip Johnson, Jr. sent
the following news release issued by the United States Marine Corps:
Marine Corporal Parley Phillip Johnson, III entered the ranks of the
USMC
Non-Commissioned Officers Corps when he was promoted to his present
rank effective on 1 June 2007 during a promotion ceremony held at
Marine Base Camp Pendleton, Califonia. Cpl Johnson’s current
awards
include the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Iraq
Campaign Medal, Overseas Service ribbon, and the Navy Unit Citation
ribbon.
Corporal (Cpl) is the fourth enlisted rank
in the U.S. Marine Corps, ranking immediately above Lance Corporal and
immediately below Sergeant. Corporal is the first grade of
non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, though promotion to
Corporal traditionally confers a large jump in authority and
responsibility compared to promotion from Private through Lance
Corporal. It is also the first Marine rank requiring competition among
peers rather than simple "time in grade" promotions and therefore
sometimes difficult to attain. Marine Corporals generally serve as
"fire-team leaders," commanding a 4-man team or unit of similar size.
In support units, they direct the activities of junior Marines and
provide technical supervision. Because of its emphasis on small-unit
tactics, the Marine Corps usually places Corporals in billets where
other services would normally have an E-5 or E-6 in authority.
Similarly, the term "Strategic Corporal" refers to the special
responsibilities conferred upon a Marine Corporal.
Cpl.
Johnson entered the Marines in September 2004 where he trained with the
2nd Recruit Training Battalion earning the title
“Marine” during
graduation ceremony on 3 December 2004 held at MCRD Parris Island,
SC.
He went on to complete Marine Combat Training - MCT at Camp Geiger, NC.
Afterwards, he transferred to Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms, CA
where he received extensive training in electronics technology,
operation and maintenance of USMC communication equipment.
Upon
completion, he was awarded the USMC Military Occupational Specialty
(MOS) 2846 - Marine Corps Intermediate Radio Repair
Technician. Upon
completion of his training, Cpl Johnson was assigned to his first
permanent duty station with the First Marine Division, 1st Maintenance
Logistics Group (MLG), Repairable Management Company (RMC), Del Mar
Area 22, Camp Pendleton, California. In February 2005, Cpl.
Johnson
volunteered to deploy overseas in support of Iraqi Freedom where he
served in Kuwait as part of the Special Marine Security
Detachment. In
August 2006 Cpl. Johnson redeployed for his second tour of duty
overseas in support of Operation Iraq Freedom where he served with the
15th Marine Logistics Group, 1st Maintenance Battalion. During his tour
of duty, Cpl. Johnson twice received the Maintenance Technician of the
Month Award for repairing and returning to the field over 95 pieces of
Marine Combat Communication equipment.
Cpl. Johnson
recently completed the US Navy Customs and Familiarization course while
performing duty as part of the U.S. Marine Detachment assigned to the
USS Germantown LSD-42.
Father
Parley Philip adds the following:
Cpl.
Johnson is a 2004 graduate of Paxton High School and the son of MSgt.
Parley P. & Callie Gail Johnson of Walton County, Florida. He
is
the grandson of the late Mr. P.P. Johnson of Lockhart, AL and Christine
Fail Johnson of Montgomery, AL [Note
from JJ: This is
our Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine], the late Mr. Ivory
Pickron and Betty Pickron of Florala, AL.
Congratulations,
Cpl. Johnson! We are
very proud of you! Family members, if you would like to pass along your
message of congratulations, contact Dad and Mom:
Parley and
Callie Johnson
16169 US
331 North
DeFuniak
Springs, FL 32433
|
Johnson
Reunion 2007 - A Double
Celebration!
See
the photos!
|
July
11, 2007
This
year's Johnson Family Reunion
was a great success by all accounts. On 30 June 2007, 102 members of
the Seth and Neva Kate Carmichael Johnson Family gathered at the
Alabama Nature Center's Lanark Pavilion in Millbrook, AL for good food,
good fellowship, and good times! Uncle Wylie Pierson Johnson hosted the
event this year along with his daughters, Barbara Lurene "Bobbie"
Johnson Hill (and her husband James Hill) and Melanie Fay Johnson and
their families. Wylie
Benjamin "Ben" (Uncle Wylie's son) and Jessica Ann Henry Johnson were
missed. Unfortunately, they were in Italy and unable to attend.
The
Johnson Family not only celebrated the 107th Wedding Anniversary of
Seth and Neva Kate Carmichael Johnson. They also celebrated the 80th
birthday of Aunt May Nora "Katie" Johnson Murphy, born 29
June 1927! She is pictured at right on the
day of the Reunion. Happy Birthday, Aunt Katie!
We
all know what wonderful cooks we have in the Johnson family. Those
treasured recipes will soon be available to one and all. Melanie Fay
Johnson has been collecting recipes from you for some time
now,
and she unveiled a very well received first draft of the Johnson Family
Cookbook at the reunion. The
publication date is drawing closer. If you have not contributed your
family's treasured recipes, please do so soon! Send to Melanie Fay
Johnson, 1991 Shades Crest Road, Birmingham, AL 35216. We're
using
scans of your original recipes, so legible, hand-written recipes are
wonderful. They will add so much character to the book! Thank you for
contributing!
And speaking of contributing, we are pleased to
announce that $651.05 was contributed at the reunion for the benefit of
the Seth Johnson School Library. If you donated, thank you very much!
If you would like to donate now, please send your check made out to
"Seth Johnson School Library" to Pete Johnson, 3716 Old Leeds Rd.,
Birmingham, AL 35213. The gift of reading - there is no
better way to
honor the memory of Seth Johnson! Thank you again for your generous
contributions!
Here are photos of 2007 Johnson Family Reunion.We need your pictures, too!
Won't you please send copies of your family
reunion snaps?
Send by mail to Pete Johnson at the address above or email to him at
alboysstate(at)brooknet(dot)com. Thank you!
Thank you,
Uncle Wylie and family, for hosting a lovely reunion! |
Pink Tea
honors Kellet Carmichael |
July 11, 2007
On
Sunday afternoon, 8 July 2007, friends and family attended a "Pink Tea"
at the home of Melanie Fay Johnson in Birmingham, AL. The tea party was
a lovely event that honored Melanie's daughter, Kellet Carmichael.
Kellet was visiting
from Boston, MA. Melanie Fay's home, "Carmichael Hall", was festooned
with beautiful pink roses of many shades. The sweet aroma was
delightful! The table was set with more roses on a delicate cut linen
cloth. Pink punch, pink champagne, strawberry pastries, finger
sandwiches, nuts and chocolates were served. On display was "Pink
Roses", a 1955 oil painted by Jean Taylor Williams, mother of Mary Jean
Williams Johnson. This was the first private viewing of the painting in
approximately 40 years.
Other
Johnson family members who attended the tea were Kellet's
Aunt Lurene "Bobbie" Johnson Hill, Bobbie's
daughter Melanie Anne Hill Ryan, and Melanie Anne's daughter Rebecca
Anne Ryan. Kellet is the granddaughter of Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall
Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt Dolly). "Carmichael Hall" is also the
home of Uncle Wylie.
See all the pictures here! |
Welcome,
Rex
Douglas Turner and John Parker Turner!
|
July
11, 2007
We
have two more darling
new additions to the Johnson
family! On
5 July 2007, Michael and Julie Kathryn Johnson Turner became the proud
new parents of twin boys. Rex Douglas Turner wighed in at 5 lbs, 4 oz.,
18 inches long. "Younger" brother John Parker Turner was 5 lbs., 14 oz.
and 18.5 inches long. Their Aunt Leigh Douglas Johnson reports, "[Rex
Douglas] has a head full of blondish brown hair.... [John Parker] has a
bit darker brown hair, and not quite as much as Rex. They are adorable
and are doing great."
Mother
Julie is the daughter of Douglas "Doug" and Dorothy Kathryn "Kathy"
Owens Johnson. Doug is the son of Seth and Kathleen VanHoose Johnson
(Uncle Seth and Aunt Kathleen).
Congratulations, Julie and Michael! Family may send their love and best
wishes for the twins to Julie and Michael at 2555 Redland Road,
Wetumpka, AL 36093.
|
Welcome, Kaylin Ashley Hill! |
June
11, 2007
Kaylin
Ashley Hill
was born 30 June 2007, to Jeffrey Adam and Linda Ashley Fife Hill. Adam
is the son of James Allen and Barbara Lurene "Bobbie" Johnson Hill.
Bobbie is the daughter of Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall Johnson
(Uncle
Wylie and Aunt Dolly).
Kaylin
is pictured, above right, in the arms of her
Great Grandfather
Wylie Pierson Johnson ("Paw") and below right with "Paw" and her proud
sister and brother, Elizabeth
Margaret Hill
and Jeffrey Adam
Hill.
Congratulations,
Adam and Ashley! Family members may send their love and best wishes for
Kaylin to Adam and Ashley at 5621 10th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL
35222.
|
Louise
Glenn Johnson Nicholls
passes |
June 13, 2007
We
are saddened to report that on the morning of 13 June 2007, our cousin
Louise Glenn Johnson Nicholls passed away. She had suffered a stroke
the previous day. She was the only child of Philip Paddleford ("Phil")
and Louise Glenn Johnson. She is pictured here with her father. On the
right, in top hat, is Louise's grandfather (Phil's father), Dave
Johnson who was brother of Seth Johnson. These pictures were copied
from page 160-L of Solomon
Johnson, 1601-1690: His Descendants and Some Allied Families
by Wylie Pierson Johnson (Uncle Wylie). Uncle Wylie notes
that Louise,
Aunt Katie Johnson Murphy, and cousin Myrtle Joyce Poundstone Ridolphi
were all three born in 1927. Cousin Louise's birthdate was 5 August
1927.
Cousin Louise's funeral will be
Friday, 15 June 2007 at 3 PM in
Memory Chapel on Lincoln Road by the Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery,
AL. J |
Samuel
Keith Lough graduates from Cherokee Hight School in Canton, GA |
July 11, 2007
In
May, 2007, Samuel Keith Lough graduated from Cherokee High School in
Canton, Georgia. While in high school he excelled in ROTC and
won many
awards for excellence. Sam has decided to join the US Air
Force in
September. His parents are Brian Keith and Neva Lillian
Flomer Lough
of Ball Ground, Georgia. Sam is the grandson of John Robert
(deceased)
and Margie Helen Albritton Flomer,Wetumpka, Alabama. Sam's
great
grandparents were Walter and Caroline Johnson
Albritton, Wetumpka,
Alabama (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
Best of luck to you in
the Air Force, Sam! Family members may send congratulations for Sam to
his grandmother Margie Flomer at mflomer(at)elmore(dot)rr(dot)com. |
Jamie
Louise Johnson graduates from St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge |
May
29, 2007
Jamie
Louise Johnson, daughter of Seth James ("Jimmy") and Isadora ("Dora") Risquet
Johnson, graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, LA on May
20, 2007. Jamie will study journalism when she attends the University
of Mississippi this fall. After earning her BA, she would like to go to
law school.
Jamie
is the granddaughter of Orson Alexander and Iberia Louise Pierce
Johnson (Uncle "Pete" and Aunt Louise).
Congratulations
on your graduation, Jamie, and best of luck at Ole Miss! Family
members
may send congratulations to her at father Jimmy Johnson's email
address, SJohnson(at)agcenter(dot)lsu(dot)edu. |
Dallas
Clayton Cox graduates from Columbus High School in Columbus, GA |
May 28, 2007
At
this year's Conley Family Reunion on May 27, 2007, Wylie Pierson
Johnson (Uncle Wylie) and daughter Melanie Fay Johnson heard
about the
graduation of our cousin Dallas Clayton Cox.
He has just graduated from
Columbus High School in Columbus GA. Dallas plans to enter Georgia
Southern this fall. He played football in high school and hopes to play
as a walk on at Georgia Southern.
Dallas
is the son of Patricia Lynn ("Patti") Brown Cox, grandson of Richard
William and
Shirley Ruth Bryan Brown, great-grandson of Fred Emerson ("Zeke") and
Monora Katherine ("Nonnie") Conley Brown and
great-great-grandson of Judge Thomas Drayton and
Manora Othello Carmichael Conley (Auntie and Uncle Judge). Othello is
Neva Kate Carmichael (Mrs Seth) Johnson's sister.
Congratulations,
Dallas! Good luck in your football and
academic career at Georgia Southern! Family members may send their
congratulations for Dallas to his mother, Patti
Cox, at
plbcsmith(at)knology(dot)net. |
Thomas
Charles ("Chip") Zay, III
graduates from Memorial High School in Houston |
May
27, 2006
Updated
with pic and further information 10 July 2007!
On
May 26, 2007, Thomas Charles ("Chip")
Zay, III,
graduated from Memorial High School in Houston, TX. He is
shown here in his jacket for lettering in lacrosse. Chip
will enter the University of Alabama this fall and is considering a
business/marketing major. Chip is a recipient of the Hubert K. and
Flora B. Borden Scholarship at UA. It was awarded based on his academic
achievements.
Chip
is the son of Thomas Charles ("Tom, Jr.") and Katherine Leigh Dennis
("Kathy") Zay, grandson of Thomas Charles ("Tom") and Betty Ann Johnson
Zay, and great-grandson of Spencer Carmichael and Betty Turk Johnson
(Uncle Spencer and Aunt Betty).
Congratulations,
Chip, and best of luck at Alabama! Family
members may send congratulations to Chip at 11609 Green Oaks, Houston,
TX 77024. |
Timothy
Graham Ryan graduates from Spain Park High School |
May
27, 2007
On
May 24, 2007, Timothy Graham Ryan, son of Timothy Wade ("Tim") and
Melanie Anne Hill Ryan graduated from Spain Park High School in Hoover,
AL, a suburb of Birmingham. As the
Chaplain of his Senior Class, Graham gave the "Welcoming Address" at
the commencement exercises. (Graham
has received many other honors and recognitions in his academic and
extra-curricular life as previously noted on this website here and
here.) Graham will enter pre-med school at Auburn University this fall
on a four-year scholarship.
Graham is the grandson of James
Allen and Barbara Lurene ("Bobbie") Johnson Hill and great-grandson of
Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall Johnson (Uncle Wylie and
Aunt Dolly).
Congratulations,
Graham, and good luck to you in pre-med at Auburn! Family members may
send congratulations to Graham at 2321 Altadena Crest Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35242. |
Kaleta Hardin Hepburn Johnson
graduates from St. Johns School in Houston |
May
27, 2007
Kaleta
Hardin Hepburn Johnson, daughter of Luke and Joan Kaleta Hepburn
Blaffer Johnson, graduated from St. John's School in Houston, TX on
May 21, 2007. This fall Kaleta will continue her education at the
Georgetown University of Foreign Service. Kaleta is the granddaughter
of Luke and Shirley Irene Roach Johnson (Uncle Luke and Aunt
Shirley).
So many are persuing higher education in the Johnson family! Seth
Carmichael Blaffer Johnson, Kaleta's
older brother, is at Rhode Island Community College.
Congratulations
on your graduation, Kaleta, and good luck at Georgetown! Family
members may send their congratulations for Kateta to her mother, Joan
Johnson, at joanbjohnson(at)sbcglobal(dot)net. |
Miller Elizabeth Goodson
graduates from Auburn University |
May
27, 2007
We
are proud to announce one of the newest college graduates in the
extended Johnson family! On May 10, 2007, Miller Elizabeth Goodson
graduated from Auburn University. She received the Bachelor of Science
Degree in Business Administration in Accounting. Miller Elizabeth is
the daughter of Jerry Lionel and Jane Miller Ridolphi Goodson,
granddaughter of Eugene Pierre and Myrtle Joyce Poundstone Ridolphi,
great-granddaughter of Emmett Robert and Nancy May Johnson Poundstone,
and great-great-granddaughter of Dave and Myrtle Melissa Stennett
Johnson. Dave Johnson was Seth Johnson's brother.
Congratulations, Miller Elizabeth! Family members may send their
congratulations to her at 1992 Overlook Ct., Auburn, AL 36832. |
John Michael
Mastin to receive Doctor of Jurisprudence degree
Welcome Hannah Mae Mastin! |
May 6, 2007
John
Michael (Jay) Mastin will receive his Doctor of
Jurisprudence degree from the Mississippi College School of Law on May
11, 2007. Jay is the son of Mike and Lindy (O'Brien) Mastin
and
the grandson of Joyce O'Brien and the late Mickey O'Brien. Jay is the
great-grandson of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson Johnson O'Brien
(Uncle Peanut and Aunt Dot).
Congratulations,
Jay, and good luck on your bar exams! We look forward to having another
fine attorney in the family. You can send congratulations for Jay to
his grandmother Joyce at obrien204(at)charter(dot)net.
Update
- On the very day that Jay graduated from law school,
wife Natalie gave birth to their daughter, Hannah Mae Mastin!
Jay missed the
graduation ceremony but was present for the birth of Hannah in Jackson,
MS. And you think you had a busy day?! The picture at right
was made at home the day Hannah arrived home from the hospital.
Congratulations, Jay and Natalie! |
Brittany
Lauren Johnson to graduate from Lee County (GA) High
|
May
5, 2007
Brittany
Lauren Johnson, daughter of David Henry and Diana Lyn
Applegate Johnson, will graduate
from Lee County High School in Leesburg, GA on 26 May 2007.
Brittany's
father, David, is the head coach of the Lee County football team, the
Trojans. Brittany is the granddaughter of Parley Philip and Edith
Christine Fail Johnson (Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine).
Congratulations, Brittany!
Correction -
Please be advised that Brittany's
father,
David Henry Johnson
is alive and well!!! This writer, Jean W. Johnson, misread
a notice
from David Noles regarding the passing of his father-in-law (who would
be Brittany's mother's
father). My deepest apologies to Brittany,
David, Diana, and all of their family for this error! We do extend our
sympathy to them for the passing of Mr. Applegate.
|
|
|
Welcome
Emily Elizabeth Barrett! |
May 1, 2007
We
have a lovely new addition to the family! Emily Elizabeth Barrett,
daughter of Stephen Dale and Courtney Marie Cummings Barrett, was born
at Montgomery Medical Center East on
January 3, 2007. She was 7 lbs. 6
oz. and 19 inches long. She was welcomed by her "big brother" Stephen,
grandmother Cheryl Dianne Williams Cummings, and
great-grandmother Neva
Caroline Albritton Williams. Little Emily Elizabeth is also the
great-great granddaughter of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson
Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).
Welcome
Emily Elizabeth!
Send
messages of love and congratulations to Courtney and Dale at
cbarrett82(at)elmore(dot)rr(dot)com
|
Emily Elizabeth Barrett at 6 weeks.
Stephen Barrett with little sister Emily
Elizabeth Barrett, Easter, 2007.
Four
generations of girls in the Albritton Family. L to R, great-grandmother
Neva Albritton Williams, mother Courtney Cummings Barrett, Emily
Elizabeth Barrett, and grandmother Cheryl Williams Cummings.
|
|
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
JOHNSON
FAMILY REUNION
June 30, 2007
Alabama
Nature Center
Lanark
Pavilion
Millbrook, AL |
April 16,
2007
This
year the Johnson Family Reunion will be in a wonderful new location -
the Alabama Wildlife Center in Millbrook. It is BRAND NEW! (Grand
opening is April 20.)
Lanark
and the new Alabama Nature Center contain 350 acres of striking
forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds that are traversed by five
miles of boardwalks and trails....
The new 4,000-square-foot Lanark Pavilion will
serve as the interim
welcome hub for the Alabama Nature Center. A trail map
located inside
the Pavilion will greet guests of the Center as they begin their trek
to one of three natural resource destinations: Still Creek, Turkey
Ridge, or Hilltop Pass. The Pavilion, which can
accommodate up to 400
people, will also provide rain and storm protection for school
and
general public programs.
Visit
the web site of the Alabama
Wildlife Center to learn
more about this beautiful facility.
Remember,
this year we will also be celebrating May Nora Johnson's ("Baby Sister"
and our Aunt Katie) 80th birthday! She was born 29 June 1927.
The
reunion is hosted this year by Uncle Wylie Pierson and family. You'll
soon be receiving an announcement by mail. If you
have any questions, please feel free to contact Uncle Wylie by email at wjohnson8722(at)charter(dot)net
or
call 205 914-6969.
See you
June 30th at the
Alabama Wildlife Center
in Millbrook!
(Map coming soon)
|
The
919th Air Force Reserve Unit of Ret. Chief Ronnie A. Davis to be
Honored with the Gallant Unit Citation |
February
2, 2007
On March 3,
2007, at Duke Field Florida, there will be a very special
ceremony to honor the 919th Operations Group, 919th Special Operations
Wing, United States Air Force Reserve and bestow it with the Gallant
Unit Citation. Ronnie A. Davis, husband of Judy Nora Johnson Davis
(daughter of Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine Fail Johnson), is a
retired Chief of this Unit during the period for which it is being
honored, 19 October 2001 to 1 July 2003. As you will read in the
description below submitted by Judy, this is a very presitgeous award
and is fully deserved!
About
the Gallant Unit Citation: The
award, created in March 2004, is the unit equivalent of the Silver Star
and ranks below the Presidential Unit Citation. Since it was created
with an effective date retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001, only a couple of
units have earned the award. The first went to the 16th Special
Operations Group at Hurlburt Field for combat operations ranging from
the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to the major
combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A second recently was awarded
to the 352nd Special Operations Group for the period Feb. 12, 2003 to
May 12, 2003. The Air Force has not released information on the unit's
actions. Two other units also are up for the citation: the 332nd Air
Expeditionary Group, for the period Oct. 15, 2001 to April 15, 2002,
and the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron, for the period June 1,
2002 to May 31, 2003. The 919th is the first reserve unit to earn the
citation.
*************
From
an article in the AF News...
Citation to accompany the award
of the Gallant Unit Citation to 919th Operations Group:
The
919th Operations Group, 919th Special Operations Wing, United States
Air Force Reserve, distinguished itself by extraordinary gallantry in
connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the
United States at a classified location from 19 October 2001 to 1 July
2003.
During
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the 350 airmen of the
919th Operations Group flew two unique special operations aircraft and
tenaciously maintained decisive combat momentum in the face of
significant opposition from enemy forces.
In
spite of intense resistance, they compiled an incredible combat record
during the largest, longest, most complex and most successful campaign
ever conducted by United States special operations forces.
During
major combat operations in support of both campaigns, the 919th
Operations Group operated from five austere forward operating
locations, three concurrently, across two continents while conducting
vital special operations missions.
Flying
the first fixed wing aircraft missions to penetrate Afghanistan and
Iraq at the onset of hostilities, the 919th Operations Group
continually answered the call despite numerous attacks to their
aircraft from surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery,
rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar engagements as well as 14
separate attacks from surface-to-surface missiles and multiple mortar
and small arms assaults to their forward operating bases.
The
919th Operations Group brazenly penetrated enemy air defenses, fighting
doggedly to achieve their vital objectives during 1,861 combat missions
totaling over 5,000 combat hours.
Their
outstanding courage, relentless aggressive fighting spirit, and
untiring devotion to duty allowed the unit to simultaneously conduct a
three-pronged prosecution of intense combat operations against
terrorism globally.
As
a result of their indomitable courage, superior airmanship, and
professionalism they garnered over 900 individual decorations to
include an astounding 101 individual decorations for gallantry and
heroism and 16 major command- and Air Force-level special trophies.
The
spirit, heroism, and continuous display of raw courage throughout both
campaigns contributed immensely to the swift defeat of multiple enemies
which exemplified the highest traditions of military service.
The
professionalism, dedication to duty, and gallantry demonstrated by the
members of 919th Operations Group reflect great credit upon themselves
and the United States Air Force. (This was
taken from an AF News article so it's not exact but you got the jest of
it)
Congratulations
to Ronnie and all others in his Reserve Unit! Thank you for
your brave and distinguished service to our country. And many thanks to
Judy and the other Unit family members. The love, support and sacrifice
you give are essential to the work of our service men and women.
You can send your congratulations to Ronnie Davis at Judy's email
address at flmulelady(at)gdsys(dot)net. |
From
the Musical Side of the Family - Easan
Katir |
February
2, 2007
There
are definitely some strong musical genes in the Johnson family.
Recently, Cousin Easan Katir, of Davis, CA, joined up with his friend
Ed Seykota to perform for the folks at the 2006 Bowers Festival. This
is a festival sponsored by the Northern
Nevada Buegrass Association,
a non-profit, volunteer organization promoting the enjoyment of
bluegrass music in the area. The picture here was taken at that
festival (Easan on the left, Ed right). Wouldn't you love to have heard
them?! Just looking at the picture makes you want to tap your foot!
They're performing "Classical Bluegrass: A Guitar and Banjo
Communion". Click
here to see more
great photos of the Bowers Festival. Thanks for sharing
these fun times with us, Easan! We would love to hear some of that in
Alabama, so come on down South anytime!
Easan is a
great grandson of Alexander Perry Johnson, a younger brother of Philip
Paddleford Johnson.
You can
email Easan Katir at easan(at)pacbell(dot)net. |
Anna
Katharine ("Tottie")
Flint
Joyce passes
|
January
17, 2007
One
of the great matriarchs of the Johnson family has passed.
According to
Cousin Frederick O. "Fred" Johnson, II, Anna Katharine "Tottie" Flint
Joyce
"passed away quietly in Carmel, CA at about 4:00 a.m." this morning,
January 17, 2007. Born August 19, 1905, she was 101 years old. Cousin
Tottie was the daughter of Frederick Wilson and Katharine
M. Johnson Flint, and granddaughter of Orson
Thomas and Anna Craven Johnson. O.T. was brother of Philip Paddleford
Johnson.
Readers
may recall that we all rejoiced in Cousin Tottie's 100th birthday on
August 19, 2005. The photo of her above was made on that happy day. To
see
more pictures of her at her birthday party, click here.
Thank
you to Frederick O. "Fred" Johnson, II, great grandson of O. T. and
Anna Craven Johnson, for letting us know about this news. May God bless
Anna
Katharine Flint Joyce and all of her family.
For more
information, you may email Fred Johnson
at fojohnson(at)prodigy(dot)net. |
UPDATE!
Johnson Reunion Set for 30 June 2007 |
January
13, 2007
The
Johnson Family Reunion
will
be held June 30, 2007 at Alabama
Nature Center
Lanark Pavilion
in Millbrook, AL. See more information here. Note that this is
not
the Fain Center
in Wetumpka where we have often gathered in the past. It will
be hosted by the family of Wylie Pierson and Lurene
Hall
Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt Dolly).
We
will celebrate two happy events at this summer's family reunion. In
addition to the 107th wedding anniversary of Seth and Katie Carmichael
Johnson, we will also be celebrating May Nora Johnson's ("Baby Sister"
and our Aunt Katie) 80th birthday! She was born 29 June 1927.
So save the date - Saturday, 30 June! We'll be sure to share more
details as they become available. |
May
Nora "Katie" Johnson Murphy is recovering nicely from knee surgery
|
November
14, 2006
May
Nora Johnson Murphy, our Aunt Katie, underwent knee replacement surgery
in Birmingham, AL at St. Vincent's Hospital on Monday, November 13,
2006. All went very well,and she has had good medical care all around.
She began physical rehabilitation on the left knee very
soon after
surgery. Although understandably uncomfortable, she was in bright
spirits the next day when her nephew O. L. "Pete" and wife Jean Johnson
visited her. Her youngest daughter, Teresa Fay "Terry" Murphy was at
her side. She had come to Birmingham from her home near Ocean Springs,
MS to care for her mother. Other family members were in Birmingham to
support Aunt Katie also, including daughter Mary Gayle Murphy Anderson.
At this
writing Aunt Katie is expected to be released from St.
Vincent's on Saturday, November 18th. She will return home to
Cecil, AL for rehabilitation. There, she'll be getting excellent care
from daughter Gayle and her husband William Roy "Will" Anderson, Jr.
who live right next door. You can send your love and get well
wishes to Aunt Katie at her home address:
Mrs. May
Nora "Katie" Murphy
906 Judkins
Road
Cecil, AL
36013
We're
wishing you a very speedy recovery, Aunt Katie!
|
The
Johnson Family is Represented in the 2006 Veterans' Day Parade in
Birmingham, AL |
November
11, 2006
On
November 11, 2006, Johnson family members represented the family in the
Veterans' Day Parade in Birmingham, AL. Melanie Fay Johnson and her
granddaughter Kimberlea "Kimber" Fay Atkinson waved to the hundreds of
onlookers along the parade route through downtown Birmingham. They rode
in a cherry-red, 1973 Caprice Classic convertible. Melanie and Kimber
are the daughter and great-granddaughter, respectively of Wylie Pierson
and Lurene "Dolly" Hall Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt Dolly). Also in
the car were Orson Lucius "Pete" and Jean Williams Johnson and their
granddaughter Natalie Celeste Johnson. Pete and Natalie are the son and
great-granddaughter, respectively, of David Glenn and Vaunita
Oswald Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita).
It
was a moment of great pride for us to represent the fine military
tradition of the Johnson Family in the nation's oldest and largest
Veterans' Day Parade. (Read more about National
Veterans Day in Birmingham.)
Our Johnsons have served in every military conflict in American
history. And so it was fitting that the car proclaimed such on two
large red, white and blue banners, one hanging on either side of the
car. The banners read,
THE
JOHNSONS
FAMILY
MEMBERS SERVED IN THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND ALL WARS SINCE.
WE
SALUTE OUR FELLOW VETERANS!
Pete
Johnson is a veteran of the Vietnam War having served as a Cavalry
(Army) Platoon Leader, 1969-1970. Uncle Wylie Pierson Johnson, Navy
Veteran of World War II (and Commodore of the Alabama Navy!), was to
ride in the Johnson family car, also. However, due to a
miscommunication by the Pete Johnson family, there was a time conflict
and Uncle Wylie could not be with us this year. :-(
Next
year we hope that Uncle Wylie and MANY MORE Johnson veterans and
active military will participate in this wonderful event. If all
Johnsons come who should rightfully participate, we'll need a
truck-pulled flotilla! And that's just fine. We can do that!
We
thank and salute all
Veterans and Active Service men and women, including those in the
Johnson Family, who defend our nation and protect our freedoms!
|
Caroline
("Carol") Elsie Fisher Murphy has passed. |
November 8,
2006
We
were saddened to learn that our dear cousin, Caroline ("Carol") Elsie
Fisher Murphy, passed away on November 4, 2006, due to brain
cancer. Carol was the granddaughter of
Mary Larkin Johnson Brockway Pierson. Aunt Mary was the daughter of
Caroline Adelia Dixson and Philip Paddleford Johnson and thus sister of
Seth Johnson. Carol is pictured at right with her son, Michael James
"Elby" Murphy. The picture was taken on August 24, 2006, in Satellite
Beach,
FL. Elby and wife Lucy Austin Murphy send
the following message out to all family and friends:
Carol
is at peace, she passed away last Saturday, November 4th in the
evening. She went within a few minutes and was in no
pain. In fact
she has never been in pain or had any type of pain medicine. Elby and I
saw her right after she died and she looked good, just like she was
sleeping.
Carol
will be creamated and there will be a small service at Brownlie-Maxwell
Funeral Home, 1010 East Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne,
FL 32901,
321-725-2483, www.brownliemaxwell.com
The
service will be on Tuesday, November 14th at 11am, please email the
info to any friends or family memebers that I do not have contacts
for. Thank you all for your visits, phone calls, flowers,
cards and
best wishes when Carol was at Tandem. I know she enjoyed them
as well
as we did.
Take care,
Lucy & Elby
murphylucille(at)hotmail(dot)com
Uncle
Wylie Pierson Johnson maintained a close relationship with Cousin Carol
over several decades. She always generously shared family
stories and
and her broad knowledge of family history. Uncle Wylie offers the
following additional information about Cousin Carol's family:
Carol's sister Mary Ann lives in
MA. Her husband Larry McElfresh died in 1985 when they were living in
Skokie, IL.
Carol's
brother Seth, a retired Westinghouse engineer, lives in Ellicott City,
MD. Her brother John died when his plane crashed near Muchen, Germany
in May 1945. He was a fighter pilot in the US Army Air Corps.
We hope all who read this will extend their deepest sympathy to the
family of Cousin Caroline Elsie Fisher Murphy. |
John
Mark Albritton and Sons Open New Automotive Center in Alabaster, AL |
November 4,
2006
John Mark Albritton and sons have announced the opening of Evolution
Performance Automotive in Alabaster, AL. Mark is the son of Walter
Matthew and Louise Eudene "Dean" Brown Albritton, Jr. and
grandson of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter
and Aunt Caroline). The Grand Opening of Evolution Performace
Automotive was November 4, 2006. Not only will they take care
of
your everyday car needs, but they also specialize in high performance
customization. With a combined 36 years of experience, our cousins
definitely know what they're doing! Check them out at 1520
Simmsville Road, Alabaster, AL 35007 (just east of Highway 31 in
Alabaster) or give them a call at 205 621-9077. Here
is the flyer that was distributed prior to the opening on
Nov. 4th.
Congratulations and best of luck, Mark, on this new business
undertaking! |
Kellet
Carmichael Installed as
Member of the Daughters of the American Revolution
|
November
1, 2006
On
November 1, 2006, Kellet Carmichael, was inducted into the
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, General
Sumter Chapter, in Birmingham, AL. The ceremony was held at the
Birmingham Country Club. Kellet is the daughter of Melanie Fay Johnson
and granddaughter of Wylie Pierson and Lurene "Dolly" Hall Johnson
(Uncle Wylie and Aunt Dolly) Johnson. They were in attendance in
addition to Kellet's aunt, Barbara Lurene "Bobbie" Johnson Hill, and
Wylie Benjamin "Ben" and Jessica Henry Johnson, Kellet's aunt and
uncle. Also present for the induction were cousin Orson Lucius "Pete"
and Jean Williams Johnson. Pete is the son of David Glenn and Vaunita
Oswald Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita).
Kellet
currently
lives in Boston, MA, but Kellet made this special trip back home just
for this occasion. She follows in a fine tradition. Mother Melanie is
also a member of the DAR General Sumter Chapter. Kellet's grandfather
Wylie P. Johnson, Uncle Ben Johnson, and Cousin Pete Johnson are all
members of the Birmingham Chapter of the National Society Sons of the
American Revolution. Uncle Wylie is a past State President of the
Alabama SAR.
Pictured
in the top photo, left to right, are Pete Johnson, Jean Johnson, Kellet
Carmichael, Wylie P. Johnson, Melanie Johnson, Barbara "Bobbie" Hill,
Ben Johnson, and Jessica Johnson.
Pictured in
the bottom photo, left to right, are Melanie Fay Johnson, Wylie Pierson
Johnson, and Kellet Carmichael.
Membership
in the NSSAR or NSDAR is open to direct descendants of a Patriot who
aided in achieving American independence. Any descendant of Seth and
Neva Carmichael Johnson is eligible to join if you so choose.
There are several lines that qualify you for
membership.
For more information about your ancestors who fought for American
independence, contact Wylie Pierson Johnson (Uncle Wylie) at 205
914-6969 or email to wjohnson8722(at)charter(dot)net.
|
Jennifer
Kathleen Dissen Weds Luke Johnson, III in Houston, Texas
|
October
14, 2006
On
October 14, 2006, Luke Johnson, III was joined in matrimony to Jennifer
Kathleen Dissen in Houston, TX. Luke, III is the son of Luke Johnson,
Jr. and Leonora "Norrie" Kerr. Luke, Jr. later married Joan Kaleta
Hepburn Blaffer. Luke, III is grandson of Luke and Shirley Irene Roach
Johnson (Uncle Luke and Aunt Shirley). Here is the wedding announcement
that appeared in the Houston
Chronicle on October 29, 2006.
Miss
Jennifer Kathleen Dissen and Mr. Luke Johnson III were united in
marriage on Saturday, October 14, 2006, at seven o'clock in the
evening, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Dr.
Tom Pace III, assisted by The Reverend Kyra Anne Kerr, aunt of the
groom, performed the double-ring ceremony. Music was provided by Rob
Landes, St. Luke's organist, and the Houst Children's Chorus, directed
by Stephen Roddy. On the eve of the wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner Towne
Baldwin hosted the rehearsal dinner at the Bayou Club. A reception
followed the ceremony at River Oaks Coutry Coub, with music by
Commercial Art.
The
bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart Dissen, and the
granddaughter of Mrs. Robert Arden Delaney and the late Mr. Delaney, of
Angleton, Texas, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Julius Dissen of
Houston. The groom is the sone of Mrs. Gardner Towne Baldwin and the
late Mr. Luke Johnson, Jr., of Houston. He is the grandson of the late
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Erastus Kerr, Jr., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Luke
Johnson, of Houston.
Given
in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride
wore an ivory silk Mikado gown designed by Melissa Sweet. The
strapless, scupted A line silhouette featured exquisite embroidery and
beading. Clusters of pearls, bugle beads, and stones enhanced the leaf
design of the embroidery on the bodice, back and train of the chapel
length gown. Completing the look was a cathedral veil of ivory illusion
edged in satin.
Laura
Stuart Dissen, sister of the bride, served as Maid of Honor.
Bridesmaids were Trudy Mayo Tooke Baade, Ashley Anne Dominy, Julia
Grace Guthrie, Erika Lea Farris Johnson, Sarah Menefee Langston, and
Sara Nyman Tooke Pittman. Kaitlin Ann Baldwin was the Flower Girl.
Thomas
Peter Lee Johnson served his brother as Best Man. Groomsmen were
John Kim Crafton, James Allen Fulweber, John Brannon Hunt, James Ryan
King, Kevin Michael Knight, Daryl Wayne Roper, and Michael Benjamin
Sprung. Henry Duff Baldwin was the Ring Bearer.
Honorary
Attendants were Carolyn Marie Bodemann, Kaleta Hardin Hepburn
Johnson, Betsy Kate Loomer, Sarah Kathryn Lepley Rehwald, and Karrera
Irene Starr.
Ushers
were Gardner Towne Baldwin, Jr., Geoffrey Duff Baldwin, Wirt Davis
Johnson and Seth Carmichael Blaffer Johnson.
Honorary
Junior Attendants were Chloe Elizabeth Brants, Sophie
Elizabeth Brants, Lily Devan Daphne Loft, Peterson Robards Loft, and
Leonora Odelia Sher.
The
bride is a graduate of Lamar High School and Texas Christian
University, where she obtained a Bacheor of Science degree in Interior
Design and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She is a Project
Designer for Kathy Andrews Interiors.
The
groom is a graduate of The Robert Louis Stevenson School and
Northwood University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in
Automotive Marketing. He is a Vice President of MobeLease, Inc.
Following
a honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the couple will reside in
Houston, Texas.
Congratulations
and best wishes to Luke, III and Jennifer. |
A
Family Celebration - Boston to Montreal |
September
29 - October 7, 2006
On September 29 - Oct. 7, 2006, four children of David Glenn and
Vaunita
Oswald Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita) and their spouses and a
daughter enjoyed a cruise aboard Holland America's ms Maasdam
from Boston, MA up the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. and Canada and down
the St. Lawrence Waterway to Montreal, Canada. Other ports-of-call
included Bar Harbor, ME and in Canada, Halifax and Sydney Nova Scotia;
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec. The family tourists
included Dr. Thomas H. and Jeanne Suzanne Johnson Yancey, Dr. Craig and
Vaunita Marguerite Johnson Wiegand and their daughter, Dr. Jeanne Lynn
Wiegand, Arthur Ferdinand "Ferd" and Mildred Gwendolyn "Millie" Johnson
Cohen, and Judge Orson Lucius "Pete" and Jean Williams Johnson.
Several
birthdays were celebrated during the journey. Pete, Marguerite, Ferd
and Jean all had birthdays in August or October. The picture above was
taken aboard the ship on the evening of Oct. 5, when we celebrated all
the birthdays in one fell swoop! Pictured above are, back row, left to
right, Tom Yancey, Craig Wiegand, Jeroom ____ (ship's electrical
engineer, a very nice young man from Holland, who joined the
group for
dinner), Pete Johnson, and Ferd Cohen. Front row, left to
right,
Jeanne Yancey, Marguerite Wiegand, Jeanne Wiegand, Jean Johnson, and
Millie Cohen.
One of the most scenic spots on this journey was
the Green Gables house and grounds in north-central Prince Edward
Island. (Not on the coast. Requires a bus ride from port of
Charlottetown, PEI.) If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables
by Lucy Maud Montgomery, you might enjoy seeing some of the photos of this shore excursion.
Recommended as a very fun way to have a family reunion! |
Timothy
Graham Ryan Wins Auburn Scholarship |
Fall,
2006
Timothy
Graham Ryan has been awarded a very generous four-year academic
scholarship to Auburn University! As great an honor as this is, it
should come as no surprise. Graham is an outstanding student, a young
man of high character, and a very talented athlete. Readers may recall
that in the summer of 2006, Graham reached the rank of Eagle Scout and
was named "Scholar Athlete of the Week" by The Birmingham News.
Read that story here.)
Graham is the son of
Timothy Graham "Tim" and Melanie Anne Hill Ryan, grandson
of James and Barbara
"Bobbie" Johnson Hill and great-grandson of Wylie Pierson and
Lurene
"Dolly"
Hall Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt Dolly). All of the family lives in
the Greater Birmingham, AL area.
Congratulations, Graham, and best of luck to you as you begin your
studies at Auburn University this Fall! You make the family proud! |
More
Photos of the 2006 Johnson Family Reunion
|
We have more
great pictures of the 2006 Seth Johnson Family Reunion
sent in by Nancy Johnson Harle, daughter of Seth and Kathleen VanHoose
Johnson, Jr. (Uncle Seth and Aunt Kathleen). On June 3 of this year, we
had a grand celebration of the 100th birthday of Seth Johnson, Jr. (1
June 1906 - 14 July, 1969). It was held in the pecan grove of the Seth
Johnson, Jr. home place. Thanks again to the children - Jack &
Mary
Johnson McGuffey, Doug and Kathy Johnson (who live on the home place!),
Swampy & Margaret Johnson, and (in absentia) Nancy Johnson
Harle.
Click to see
the photos!
Thanks again for sending these, Nancy! |
Fond
Beach Memories for the Mastin and Trebus Families |
September
19, 2006
We
received this fine snapshot of Michael Dennis and
Belinda Joyce
"Lindy" Mastin's children and grandchildren taken at the beach. (Click
to enlarge.) It's a recent photo, but we don't know the exact location.
From that beautiful white sand, it sure looks like our Gulf Coast!
Pictured on left are Natalie Mastin and husband John Michael
"Jay"Mastin (in dark shirts). Melissa Anne Mastin Trebus holds the
newest addition to the family, Jacob Thomas Trebus. Emily Anne Trebus
is seated to right of her mother and brother. Father Thomas William
Trebus kneels behind (in white shirt) and Seth Alexander "Alex" Mastin,
the youngest Mastin sibling, kneels on the right. Their
mother/grandmother, Lindy, is daughter of Seth Michael
"Mickey" and
Joyce Graham O'Brien and granddaughter of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy
Dixson Johnson O'Brien (Uncle Peanut and Aunt Dot).
When the
first frost rolls around, come back to visit this
photo. You'll
feel warm all over again. Thanks for sharing, Joyce O'Brien! You can
email Joyce at obrien204(at)charter(dot)net. |
Introducing Private
Luke M. Johnson USMC |
September 11,
2006
Proud
father Parley P.
Johnson, Jr. sends the following wonderful news about his son, Luke
McIntyre Johnson. Luke is grandson of Parley Philip and Edith Christine
Fail Johnson (Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine). Congratulations and
good luck, Luke!
Introducing, Private
Luke M. Johnson USMC.
He
graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp
on Friday morning 8 Sept 2006. Attending were
Dad (Parley P. Jr.) , Mom (Callie Gail), sister (Callie Beth), nephew
Kaden Michael Graham, Granny Bettye Pickron & friend Greg
Harrison.
We visited with his Aunt Carol and Grandma Johnson
in Montgomery on the way home. Luke is on
leave for 10 days and is to report NLT 13:00 hours
EDT Tues. 19 Sept 2006 for the Marine Corps Combat
Training Course - MCT located at Camp Geiger, Jacksonville, NC.
Afterwards he will either train as 0511 Enlisted Planner at Norfolk, VA
or 0651/0656 Network Technician at 29 Palms, CA.
His brother, L/Cpl. Parley P. Johnson, III was unable to attend
due to being deployed to Iraq.
Semper
Fi & All the Best,
Parley
P. Jr.
Parleypjr (at) aol (dot) com
Pvt.
Luke M. Johnson USMC
Platoon 3073
India Company
3rd Recruit Training Battalion
Parris Island, SC
Graduation
Fri. 8 Sep 2006
(Click photo to view
enlarged picture.) |
|
|
Platoon 3073
India Company
3rd Recruit Training Battalion
(Click
photo to view enlarged picture.) |
|
Three
new grandbabies in the
Berkstresser family! |
September
7, 2006
Richard
Kyle "Dick" and Laurida
Emily Albritton Berkstresser have three new
grandchildren! This cute picture taken in Spring, '06, shows them in
their pumpkin seats all in a row. (There's a nursery rhyme in here
somewhere...)
L to R:
- Clark
Randal Johnson, born 26 January 2006,
son
of
Warren Clark "JR" & Margie Helen Berkstresser Johnson
- Anna
Elizabeth Brech, born 21 January, 2006,
daughter
of Michael Scott & Wanda Carol Berkstresser Brech
- Nathan
Kade Sides, born 7 March, 2006,
son
of
Thomas Ashley and Laura Lea Berkstresser Sides
All
are great-grandchildren of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson
Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline). Congratulations to the
Berkstressers! What a beautiful bounty!
|
Caroline
Fisher Murphy in very poor health |
August 27, 2006
We were saddened to learn that cousin Caroline ("Carol") Fisher Murphy
has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Carol is the granddaughter of
Mary Larkin Johnson Brockway Pierson. Aunt Mary was the daughter of
Caroline Adelia Dixson and Philip Paddleford Johnson and thus sister of
Seth Johnson. Her daughter, Terri Murphy, reports that Carol's life
expectancy is only 1 to 3 months. She is in rehabilitation near her
home in Satellite Beach, FL. Carol's daughter-in-law, Lucy Austin
Murphy (wife of Carol's son Michael James "Elby" Murphy), wrote the
following to Terri on Aug. 23, 2006:
Carol
is settling in well at her new location. She has her ups and
downs as this last weekend she was not feeling well and did not seem to
recognize people, it is almost like she has a flu bug. She is
better now and I have attached a few pictures of her and Elby that I
took on Monday. She has physical therapy 5 days a week and
also
occupational therapy. She can't get up by herself she has to
be
put in a wheel chair she will not use her left side at all unless you
tell her to she also tends to doze off to sleep when you are not
talking to her. Yesterday for the first time since she went
to
the hospital she was reading her book, you have to give it to her and
help her get started but then she seems to enjoy reading.
Cousin Carol loves her extended Johnson family, and she has expressed
this in both word and deed. She has played an important role in
assuring that our genealogical history is broad and accurately
recorded. Wylie Pierson Johnson (Uncle Wylie) recently wrote the
following to Carol's daughter, Terri:
I
will always be grateful for your mother's visits with my sister
Caroline. I frequently had the pleasure of joining them during those
visits between 1976 and my sister Caroline's death in 1998. My
friendship with her goes back to our youth when she lived in Ford City,
PA. I had the pleasure of visiting several times at the stately Fisher
home in Ford City where she grew up. She was a big contributor of much
family data for the Solomon Johnson genealogy book which I had
published in December 2002.
Please keep Cousin Carol in your thoughts and prayers. You can send
your love and best wishes to her at this address:
Mrs. Caroline Fisher Murphy
375 Park Ave.
Satellite Beach, FL 32578
You can email Terri Murphy at
Rollins1977 (at) aol (dot) com
or Lucy and Elby Murphy at
murphylucille (at) hotmail (dot) com
|
Johnson Family blessed with new
arrivals!
- Madison
Reese Johnson
Born 9 May, 2006
- Amber Louise Johnson
Born 17 May, 2006
- Kaden Michael Graham
Born 13 July, 2006
|
August
14, 2006
Within recent
months there have been several beautiful babies
born into the Johnson Family! We are very happy to announce the
following new arrivals, all great-great-grandchildren of Seth and Neva
Kate
Carmichael Johnson. Congratulations to all!
Holly Michelle Orr Johnson and husband Spencer
Inge Johnson announced
the birth of their daughter, Madison
Reese Johnson, born on
May 9, 2006 in Fairhope, AL. Madison Reese is the granddaughter of
William Spencer and Mary Ann Moore Johnson and great-granddaughter of
David Glenn and Vaunita Marguerite Opal Oswald Johnson (Uncle Dave and
Aunt Vaunita). Ryan Tanner Johnson, who will be 3 years old on
September 14, is a great big brother for his little sis. You can e-mail
parents Inge and Holly at spenceringe@yahoo.com.
Amber Louise
Johnson
was born to Terri Diane Norsworthy and husband Orson Alexander "Andy"
Johnson, III on May 17, 2006 at the Baptist East Hospital in
Montgomery, AL. Amber Louise is the granddaughter of Orson
Alexander "Alex" Johnson, Jr. and his first wife, Brenda Fay Talley,
and great-granddaughter of Orson Alexander "Pete" and Iberia Louise
Pierce Johnson (Uncle Pete and Aunt Louise).
Update
-- We now have a picture of little Amber Louise (above left)! This was
taken on May
24, 2006 at home in Deatsville, AL. Amber Louise has two proud big
brothers, Jason Corey Smithersman and Douglas ("Doug") Eugene
Smitherman, Jr.. Doug is extra proud because not only is he a new big
brother, he also graduated from kindergarten this Spring
(pictured above right)!
Parley Phillip, Jr. and Callie Gail Pickron
Johnson proudly announced
the birth of their first grandchild, Kaden
Michael Graham.
They sent
the following announcement:
Callie
Elizabeth Johnson Graham & husband
Joey Lee
Graham of Jacksonville, North Carolina wish to announce the
birth of their son, Kaden Michael Graham on
Thursday 13 July 2006 at 09:58 CDT at the Onslow County Hospital in
Jacksonville, NC. Kaden Michael Graham weighed in at
5
pounds 3 ounces, 18 & 1/2 inches long. Head is 12 & 1/2
inches
and chest is 11" inches. Both Mother and child are fine.
Little Kaden is also the grandson of Jim and Karen Graham,
great-grandson of Parley Phillip and Edith Christine Fail Johnson
(Uncle Phillip and Aunt Christine), and great-grandson of Ivory and
Bettye Lolley Pickron.
Kaden's Great Great Uncle Wylie P. Johnson says that he looks just
like his (Kaden's) Great Granddaddy Parley Phillip Johnson -
"especially those big brown eyes." Do you see it? You can
email
grandparents Parley and Callie
at Parleypjr@aol.com.
|
Update
from Patricia Murphy McCormick |
August 14, 2006
Back
in May, we received news from Patricia Kay Murphy McCormick, daughter
of May Nora "Katie" Johnson and John Gribbin Murphy, Jr. (Aunt Katie
and Uncle Johnny). She writes:
I
got married on Nov 10, 2005 to George Robert McCormick, he goes by
Robert. He has one son, Ryan Oscar who lives with us. Robert
is a
Superintendent at Clement Group in Montgomery, AL.
I have a new address: 1671 County Road Prattville,
AL 36067
My email address is pmccormick@southuniversity.edu
Thanks
for writing, Pat. Best wishes to you and Robert for a long and happy
marriage!
|
Jared Lee
Tatum serves his nation
|
August
3, 2006
Another
Johnson family member is following in the military tradition with high
honor. Jared Lee Tatum, son of Jerry Lee and Jo Carol Murphy Tatum,
graduated from Army boot camp at Fort Jackson, SC on July 28th. He was
in the top of his class! This is an outstanding accomplishment,
especially considering the fact that he turned 29 while in boot camp.
He's still in his prime!
Jared is
now at Ft. Sill,
Oklahoma for seven weeks of Artillery Training. Jared is is the
grandson of John Gribbin and May Nora Johnson Murphy (Uncle Johnny and
Aunt Katie). Your family is very proud of you, Jared, and many thanks
for serving our country! To find out more about Jared's military
service, contact mother Jo Carol ("Jody") at Jo.Tatum@sodexhoUSA.com. |
Graham
Ryan, Scholar-Athlete and
Eagle Scout |
July
27, 2006
Timothy
Graham Ryan, son of Tim and Melanie Anne Hill Ryan, recently received
two high honors for which all the Johnson family can be very proud! On
July 5, 2006, he was recognized by The
Birmingham News as that
publication's "Scholar Athlete of the Week." See the article
below to read about Graham and the many reasons he was chosen by The
News for
this
honor.
In
late July, Graham was also raised to Eagle Scout, the
highest advancement rank in Scouting. An Eagle Scout must work many
years to earn the required number of merit badges, complete a community
service project, and demonstrate superior leadership, service, and
outdoor skills.
Graham
is the grandson of James and Barbara
"Bobbie" Johnson Hill and great-grandson of Wylie and Lurene
"Dolly"
Hall Johnson. Congratulations, Graham!
From:
The Birmingham News,
July 5, 2006,
page 12H
Scholar-Athlete
of the week, Graham Ryan, Spain Park HS
The
Birmingham News,
July 5, 2006,
page 12H
Year:
Junior;
Sport: Basketball
Academic
highlights: Graham
has a 3.6 grade-point average and scored a 30 on the ACT. He is a
former Finley Award recipient. He is also a Boy Scouts Life Scout, a
hut leader at Camp Winnataska and is involved in Habitat for Humanity,
Carpenters for Christ and World Changers. In the Spain Park Concert
Choir, Graham is the bass section leader.
Athletic
highlights: Graham
plays center/forward for the Jaguars' varsity basketball team.
Where
do you see your academic future? I plan on attending college at
Auburn University and working towards a degree in building science.
Where
do you see your athletic future? I hope to play intramural
basketball in college and stay in shape after high school.
Favorite
subject: English,
because I enjoy reading and writing, and it has always come naturally
to me.
Who has been
a major positive influence on you? My mom and dad,
Tim and Melanie Ryan, because they are always there for me, and they
have always strived to set a Christian example for my sister and me.
Also, my uncle, Daniel Hill, because as I was growing up, he always
took the time to take me camping, hunting and fishing, and he taught me
a lot of what I know about the outdoors. If I could turn out to be like
him, I think I could consider myself a success.
What
is your favorite sports memory? Playing against Hoover three
times in the past season and beating them all three times.
Study
secrets: I
write down the notes given by the teacher in class and read over the
material before the test.
|
A high point trip around the
Southeast |
July 7, 2006
In
June 2006, Dr. Frederick Orson "Fred" Johnson, of Berkeley, CA, visited
his cousin Wylie Pierson Johnson in Vestavia Hills, AL. Wylie's
son-in-law, James Allen Hill, joined the party, and the three traveled
to the highest points in each of three states: Georgia, South
Carolina, and Florida. Click
here to
view
their photos. |
The Johnson
military
tradition
continues
|
July
4, 2006
On this
Independence Day, it is fitting to remember the sacrifice that so
many Johnson family members have made to defend the United States of
America. As example, all three children of Callie Gail and Parley
Philip Johnson, Jr., son of Uncle Parley Philip Johnson, are
Marines or
spouse of a Marine! Read their family news as written by Parley P.,
Jr.. The story includes
addresses, so please do write and express your support as they endure
much to defend our country. And the tradition continues...
Our son,
Luke McIntyre
Johnson left
on the 12th of June from Gunter Field Montgomery, AL for active duty
with the U.S. Marines. We spent the fortnight with His
Grandmother and Aunt Carol in Montgomery. Seth Veder and
Tammy
came over to Gunter Field to help see him off. I met them at
the
main gate and signed them onto base. Seth Veder served in the
Marines in 1957 for four years. Luke shipped out 30 years
almost
to the day from when I did in 1976. We have received a few
letters from Luke and he sounds good!
His
mailing address while at Boot Camp is:
• RCT. JOHNSON, Luke M.
• PLT 3073 3rd
BN I. CO.
• Box 13073
• Parris Island, SC 29905-3073
Please
send him a letter of encouragement when you can.
He is scheduled to graduate Boot Camp on Friday 8 September.
We plan to be at Parris Island for the ceremony.
Then bring him home for 10 days leave.
He will report on 19 Sept to the Marine Combat Trainingat
Camp Geiger, Jacksonville, NC for 4 weeks.
Our
daughter, Callie
Elizabeth and her husband L/Cpl. Joseph Lee Graham USMC
have moved to serve in the Marines at MCAS New River, North
Carolina. He will be working on the Marine Heavy Helicopter,
the
CH53. They have their first bungalow at:
• L/Cpl & Mrs Joey Graham
• 304A Richlands Avenue
• Jacksonville, NC 28540
They are
expecting our first Grandchild the first week of August. It
is a
boy to be named Kaden Michael Graham. All is well so far.
He is to be born at the ONSLOW COUNTY HOSPITAL in Jacksonville, NC.
Luke
McIntyre will be about 20 minutes away from Callie Beth and
Joey
when he goes through Marine Combat Training up there at Camp
Geiger, NC.
L/Cpl. Parley P. Johnson, III USMC
has returned to his duties at the Del Mar Beach Area of Camp Pendleton,
CA right on the Pacific Ocean near the city of Oceanside, CA.
His
barracks is about four blocks from the Pacific Ocean ! He has
received his warning order to deploy to Iraq on 19 August with the 1st
Marine Expeditionary Force "1st MEF" He will be in the rear
with
the gear, FIXIN' Marine Corps radios. They told him he would
be
there about 7 months.
Callie
Gail and I plan to fly out to see him off before he leaves and drive
his car back to Florida for him.
Parley P., Jr.
Parleypjr@aol.com
|
Johnson
Family Reunion 2006
(and Seth Johnson, Jr.'s 100th birthday party!) |
June
7, 2006
THE JOHNSON
FAMILY
REUNION 2006
(and Seth
Johnson, Jr.'s
100th
birthday celebration!)
June 3, 2006
2611
Redland Road
Wetumpka, AL
One
hundred and nine Johnson family members thoroughly
enjoyed the family reunion this year at the home place of Seth and
Kathleen VanHoose Johnson in Wetumpka. It was an extra special day
because we also celebrated Uncle Seth's 100th birthday!
Thank
you very much, Doug,
Mary, Margaret, and Nancy, for hosting a wonderful family reunion and
birthday party!
|
Matriarch Janie Farmer
Graham passes in Wetumpka |
May
4, 2006
Nancy Anne
O'Brien Borders, of Clarksville, TN, passed along the sad
news that her grandmother, Janie Farmer Graham, has passed
away in Wetumpka at the
age of 92. Mrs. Graham was the mother of Joyce Graham O'Brien, wife of
Seth Michael "Mickey" O'Brien. Mickey was the son of Joseph Nathaniel
and Dorothy Dixson Johnson O'Brien (Uncle "Peanut" and Aunt "Dot").
This honored matriarch was also well loved by
our Albritton family in Wetumpka. We send our prayers and sympathies to
all the family. You can email a note to Nancy Borders at nborders@charter.net.
Here is Mrs. Graham's obituary:
"Janie Farmer
Graham, 92,
died on Thursday, April 27, at Jackson Hospital. Funeral service will
be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at the First Presbyterian Church in
Wetumpka. Burial will be in the Santuck Baptist Church Cemetery with
Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing. The service will be
conducted by the Reverend Jim Reece and the Reverend David Terrinoni.
"Janie, affectionately known by her grandchildren as Bubba, leaves a
devoted family, church family, and many friends to cherish her memory.
She was an elder and the oldest female member of the First Presbyterian
Church in Wetumpka. Her family include daughters: Joyce O'Brien of
Albertville, Janice (Don) Whorton, and Brysene (Ronnie) Lee of
Wetumpka; granddaughters: Lindy (Mike) Mastin of Albertville, Nancy
(Lee) Borders of Clarksville, Tenn., Carol (Chet) Matthews of Titus,
Beth (Ricky) Roberts of Wetumpka, and Alison (Trey) Glenn of
Montgomery; great-grandchildren: Lee (Heather) Borders of Houston,
Texas., Neva (Brian) Huddleston of Auburn, Melissa (Thomas) Trebus of
Albertville, Jay (Natalie) Mastin of Brandon, Ms., Alex Mastin of
Albertville, Abbie Brown and Caroline Brown of Titus, Macy Matthews of
Montgomery, Chase Roberts and Madison Roberts of Wetumpka, Bryce Glenn,
Katie Glenn, and Braden Glenn of Montgomery; great-great-grandchildren:
Emily Anne Trebus and Jake Trebus of Albertville. She also leaves two
sisters: Lorean Maddox and Irelle McCullers of Titus. Janie was
predeceased by her parents, Ezra and Mamie Farmer, her husband, W.
Bryson Graham, and son-in-law, the Reverend S. Michael O'Brien.
"Pallbearers will be grandsons-in-law: Mike Mastin, Lee Borders, Chet
Matthews, Ricky Roberts, and Trey Glenn, and great-grandsons: Lee
Borders, Jr., Jay Mastin, and Alex Mastin.
"Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the
First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka or the Presbyterian Children's
Home in Talladega. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Saturday,
April 29, at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka."
|
Carrie Burt
Johnson earns BS from Auburn University |
April 28, 2006
Carrie Burt Johnson will graduate from Auburn
University on May 11, 2006 with the Bachelor of Science
degree in Wildlife Science! She also reports,
I
will be working in North
Alabama at Skyline Wildlife Management Area this summer and fall as a
Biologist Technician. I plan on coming back to Auburn
in the spring for Graduate School too!
Carrie is the daughter of Charles McIntyre ("Charlie") and
Jane
Elizabeth Tucker Johnson, granddaughter of Charles McIntyre and Laura
Gene Burt Johnson (Uncle Mac and Aunt Gene), and gr-granddaughter of
Seth and Neva Kate Carmichael Johnson.
Congratulations to Carrie for this fine academic accomplishment! You
can email to her at johncab@auburn.edu.
|
Luke McIntyre Johnson
graduates Paxton High Class of 2006 |
April 28, 2006
Congratulations to Luke McIntyre Johnson on his graduation from Paxton
High School in Paxton, FL, Class of 2006! He's also focused on his
future...
I
am planing to go into the Marine Corps during the summer, and when I
come back to attend the L.B.W. Community College near home. After my
two years I will do my best to get into Auburn to finish a degree while
going through ROTC (Recruit Officer Training Course) I will be doing my
best to become an Officer in the Marine Corps. That is my goal for the
next 10 years.
Luke McIntyre is the son of Parley Philip (Jr.) and Callie Gail Pickron
Johnson, grandson of Parley Philip and Edith Christine Fail Johnson
(Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine), and gr-grandson of Seth and Neva
Kate Carmichael Johnson.
You can send a message to Luke McIntyre through dad Parley Philip, Jr.
at Parleypjr@aol.com. |
Welcome,
Jeffery Seth Cohen! |
April
20, 2006
Congratulations
to Arthur Patton and Jennifer Reynolds Cohen on the birth of their son,
Jeffery Seth Cohen! Jeffery was born April 12, 2006, in Mooresboro, NC.
Father Arthur is the son of Arthur Ferdinand ("Ferd")
and Mildred
Gwendolyn Johnson Cohen of Americus, GA, grandson of David Glenn
("Dave") and Vaunita Oswald Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita), and
gr-grandson of Seth and Neva Kate Carmichael Johnson.
Both mother and baby are doing fine. Brother Spencer and sister
Samantha are happy to welcome their new little brother to the family.
The family thanks all for their prayers and well wishes. If you would
like to send a note to Jenny and Arthur, mail to:
3702 Cliffside
Road
Mooresboro, NC 28114
or email to apcohen@carolina.rr.com.
|
Bill
Kahler passes |
March
21, 2006
We are saddened to report that
Bill Kahler, husband of Marilyn
"Mary" Kasch
Kahler, has passed away. (See the Kahler message below for information
about his illness.) Daughter Kathy Kahler Kirkpatrick writes, "My
father passed away peacefully this morning, March 21. Mother
is doing
fine. We are currently making arrangements. Thank
you all for your
prayers and concern."
Our prayers and sympathy go out to the Kahler family. If you wish to
write to the family, send to 115
Hillside Drive, Minden, IA 51553-2022 or e-mail Mary at
kaschgirl@walnutel.net.
|
Gordon
Kasch in ill health |
March
21, 2006
In
the previous message we gave news on the health of Marilyn "Mary" Kasch
Kahler's husband Bill. Now comes word that Mary's brother Gordon Kasch
is in ill health. As is his sister, Gordon is son of Flora May Johnson
Kasch, daughter of "Haddy" Johnson. (See the message below for other
details on the family connection.) Please keep all the Kasch family in
your thoughts and prayers.
Hello
everyone,
My
Dad had hip replacement 10 days ago and is in the hospital with
complications of hospital acquired pneumonia and staph. He is
having
surgery March 21, to check out his new hip appliance and verify that
the infection has not spread to his new hip. You can send well wishes
to Box 22 Minden, IA 51553. I am in Minden with my parents to help Mom
as she cannot go to the hospital because she has influenza.
Please
keep my parents in your prayers and thoughts for their recovery.
Tonya Kasch Meyer
|
A
Message on the health of Bill Kahler
|
March 20,
2006
The
following message was sent from Kathy Kahler Kirkpatrick regarding her
father Bill Kahler's health. Kathy's mother, Marilyn "Mary" Kasch
Kahler, is a granddaughter of Hazzard "Haddy" Larkin Johnson, oldest
brother of our patriarch Seth Johnson. Uncle Wylie P. Johnson always
enjoys conversation with Bill and Mary Kahler at the Johnson family
reunion each year in Iowa. Please keep them in your thoughts and
prayers.
3/18/2006
Hello,
everyone:
My
family and I wanted to let you know that my Dad's health has
deteriorated. He is in the hospital with congestive heart
failure and
related complications. The doctor has ordered no visitors or
phone
calls please. We ask that if you would like to send get well
wishes,
please do so by card (115 Hillside Drive, Minden, IA 51553-2022) or
e-mail.
(kaschgirl@walnutel.net)
We will keep you posted
via e-mail as things progress. We thank you all for your kind
concern
and appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult
time. Keep Dad and my family in your prayers.
Hope you are all well.
Kathy (Kahler) Kirkpatrick
|
Welcome
a new family addition, Nathan Kade Sides!
|
March 13, 2006
Laura
(Laurida Albritton Berkstresser's daughter) and her husband Ashley
Sides had their third son, Nathan Kade Sides last Tuesday 7 March
2006. He is 22 inches long and weighed in at a whopping 11
pounds. His
older brothers are: Kyle b. 25 Jun 1995 and Klay b. 3 Feb 2000.
|
Nancy
Ann Holcomb Willis sends greetings!
from Nancy Willis <willall@bellsouth.net> |
February
25, 2006
We
received an email recently from Nancy Ann Holcomb Willis. Uncle
Wylie (Wylie P. Johnson) tells us that she is the wife of
John
Girard
Willis who is a great grandson of Philip Paddleford Johnson's daughter
Nancy Johnson Hysham. Nancy is a regular "emailer" with
members
of the
family, and she thought some of you might like to see whom you're
corresponding with. She writes, "This is a picture that was
taken of me recently at work. Know it's been a long time
since
some of you saw me (and some of you never have)!"
Thanks for sharing with us, Nancy! |
In
the news - memories and history of the O.T. Johnson Store in Galesburg,
IL
from Frederick O. "Fred"
Johnson <fojohnson@prodigy.net> |
February
25, 2006
Recent
articles in Galesburg's Register-Mail newspaper (click article title):
|
Joyce
O'Brien announces birth of new great-grandson, Jacob Thomas ("Jake")
Trebus
from Joyce
O'Brien <obrien204@charter.net> |
February 17,
2006
Proud great-grandmother
Joyce Graham O'Brien sends this happy announcement of a fine addition
to their family. Joyce's late husband was Seth Michael "Mickey"
O'Brien, son of Joseph Nathaniel "Peanut" and Dorothy Dixson "Dot"
Johnson O'Brien.
"Our
new baby arrived today. Jacob Thomas Trebus was born today,
Feb.
17, 2006, at 2:45 P.M. at Marshall Medical Center South in Boaz,
AL. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 20 inches
long.
Proud parents are Melissa (Mastin) and Thomas Trebus.
Grandparents are Lindy (O'Brien) and Mike Mastin. ..."
Click the small picture of the Trebus family for an enlargement! |
William
Seth Johnson accepts Peace Corps assignment to Bolivia
from Pete
and Jean Johnson <jjohnson@brooknet.com> |
February 5,
2006
Orson L. "Pete" and Jean Williams Johnson send the following news about
their son, William Seth Johnson (Seth). We are proud that he has
volunteered to serve in the Peace Corps. Seth is grandson of David and
Vaunita Oswald Johnson and great-grandson of Seth and Neva Carmichael
Johnson. Pete and Jean wrote this to family and friends:
It's Bolivia! Seth has just
learned that he will be assigned there for
his time as a Peace Corps volunteer (approximately 2 years altogether).
On May 10 he will go to Cochabamba for a few months orientation before
going to his long-term location. Cochabamba is about 230 miles SE of La
Paz, the capitol. We don't know where his long-term assignment in
Bolivia will be. Cochabamba "lies in a fertile valley. Its weather is
mild and pleasant," according to Bolivia Web. Bolivia's climate and
terrain are quite varied - from the Andes Mountains (highest Nevado
Sajama 6,542 m) to Amazon Basin (Rio Paraguay) so who knows....
We're happy
and excited for Seth, but also nervous in anticipation of
the unknown. Our "baby" is going out into the world on a great
adventure!
We'll post Seth's address and other news as we get it. Please
keep him in your thoughts and prayers. |
News
of cousins Milo Johnson and "Jo" Johnson Parker
from Milo Johnson
and "Jo" Johnson Parker
(Sorry, don't have email addresses.) |
January 31, 2006
Milo
Johnson recently visited sister Josephine Johnson Parker and her family
in Commerce, TX. Milo and Jo are grandchildren of Uncle Dan and Aunt
Mary Taylor Johnson. Read more
and see the snaps! |
O.T.
Johnson's Store, historic landmark of Galesburg, IL,
destroyed by fire.
From
Frederick O. "Fred" Johnson <fojohnson@prodigy.net> |
February 4,
2006
Update!
- Read the latest news story about the O.T. Johnson store fire in the Galesburg Register-Mail. Pictures
of "the great fire" are now posted here.
January 23,
2006
In
Galesburg, IL in the early morning hours of January 23, 2006, the
building that housed the department store founded by Orson Thomas
Johnson in 1862 was totally
destroyed by fire. Before the store finally closed in 1978, "O.T.'s" or
"The Big
Store", as it was known, was an historic landmark of national
proportions. At one time it was the largest department store in the
mid-west south of Chicago. The Galesburg news article on Orson Thomas
Johnson and his grand business venture
is fascinating. Read the history here. Read
about the tragic
fire here (published in Galesburg's newspaper The Register-Mail,
on 1/23/06).
Cousin Frederick Orson ("Fred") Johnson <fojohnson@prodigy.net>
of Berkely, CA passed on this sad news. He received word from Patty
Mosher, Archivist in the Galesburg Public Library. She wrote
"... the
wonderful old store that we fondly remember as just OT's has burned to
the ground. There was a small fire in the annex part of the
building
behind the store and was put out quickly. But another fire
started this
morning at 1:30 am and both buildings are gone. The store
front is just
a pile of bricks. I am so glad that Seth [Seth Harley Johnson, Fred's
son. -- JJ] visited when he did to take some
good photos of it. I wish I could
have gone in just one more time to take some photos of the
architecture
of the place but the owner wouldn't let me when I asked a
couple
of years ago. What a sad thing this is for Galesburg who truly
loved
that building."
Orson Thomas
Johnson was
Fred's great-grandfather and brother of Seth Johnson's father, Philip
Paddleford Johnson. |
Mark
Your
Calendar for the
Johnson Family Reunion on Saturday,
June 3, 2006!
From
Mary McGuffy <mjmcguffey@mindspring.com> |
January
10, 2006
Cousin
Mary McGuffey writes, "The
Seth Johnson, Jr. family will host the Johnson Family Reunion in the
Pecan Orchard at 2611 Redland Road, Wetumpka, Alabama. Home of Doug and
Kathy Johnson on Saturday
June 3, 2006 to celebrate the 100th Birthday of
Seth, Jr., June 1,1906."
Uncle Wylie Pierson Johnson writes of fond
memories
of the Pecan Grove in front of Doug and Kathy's home at New Bingham and
the lovely
Johnson Reunion held there in 1969. Seventy-nine were in attendance.
Uncle Seth's 100th birthday is a fine occasion to return once again.
So, be sure
to mark your calendar and reserve that date - Saturday, June 3, 2006 (NOTE
June not July)! We'll provide more
information as the date nears. If you have questions in the meantime,
you may e-mail Mary at mjmcguffey@mindspring.com.
|
Cousin "Tottie" Flint Joyce is
100 years young! |
October
29, 2005
Happy
Birthday, Cousin Anna Katharine "Tottie" Flint Joyce!
She is the daughter of Katharine
M. Johnson and Frederick Willson Flint, Jr., and granddaughter of Orson
Thomas Johnson and Anna Craven. (O. T. Johnson was brother of
Philip Paddleford Johnson.) We have some pictures of Cousin Tottie at
her birthday celebration on 19 Aug 2005 in Carmel, CA, courtesy of
Frederick "Fred" O. Johnson, II. See the birthday
party here.
This is proof that Cousin Tottie is still a beauriful lady at
100!
|
Coach
David Henry Johnson - an
inspiration to and leader of champions! |
October
29, 2005
David Henry Johnson's
Lee County (GA) Trojans Win Regional Championship!
David
Henry
Johnson, youngest
child of Parley Philip Johnson and Edith
Christine Fail,
was hired as head coach at Lee County (GA) High School in the summer of
2004. The Trojans didn't win a game in 2003, but under David's
leadership, they are on a winning track. Uncle Wylie Pierson Johnson
reports that they won four games in 2004 and now, in 2005, they are
regional champions! David
recently wrote to Uncle Wylie, "... Tonight
(21 Oct 2005) in Thomasville, Ga. we defeated Thomas County Central for
the State of Georgia region 1-AAAA championship. That is the FIRST time
in the school's history for
Lee County. We are 9-1 overall and
have a week off before the playoffs begin. We will have home field
advantage thru-out the
playoffs."
Uncle Wylie also reports that the Trojan's starting quarterback (a
senior) on the team is being
recruited by the Florida State Seminoles.
Congratulations
and good luck to Coach Johnson and the Lee County
Trojans! Check here soon for an update on the playoffs!
|
Military
family
news!
Tami and Don Sellers
TDS3278@hotmail.com |
~August 1, 2005
Dear Friends and Family,
Don
and I hope that this letter reaches you all happy and healthy. The last
year has been rather turbulent for us. In March Don finished his
training in Fort Huachuca Arizona and we moved to Fort Carson Colorado.
Fort Carson is near Colorado Springs and is beautiful. We were
fortunate to have housing on post available and we have made many
friends. It has been nice to be so close to other military families.
Don
spent most of April and May in Iraqi Readiness Training and then on
June 11 he deployed to Iraq. Don is a member of the 3rd ACR (Armored
Cavalry Regiment). He is a part of the 66 MI unit attached to the 3rd
ACR. At this time almost the whole 3rd ACR is deployed in Iraq and they
are scheduled to come home in March 2006. Currently, Don is in extreme
North West Iraq. I'm not sure how long he will be there however because
his job requires a great deal of movement.
While
we have some anxiety about him being in a combat zone, we take great
comfort in knowing that it is where he wants to be. Most of you know
that for the last year, he has been trying as hard as he could to get
over there. Don needs to be with his buddies that he trained with. He
is good at his job and this job fits him well. We trust that he will
return home safely.
In
the meantime, we would appreciate all of your prayers, not just for
Don, but for all the soldiers and their families. Our new contact
information is:
PFC Donald and Tami Sellers
5542 A Fort Street
Fort Carson, CO 80913
Phone: 719-432-8251
New Email: TDS3278@hotmail.com
With Love,
Tami and Don Sellers
|
Mike Conley
gengrumpy7@wmconnect.com |
24
March, 2005
[Cousins, update your
address books with this from Mike Conley!]
Name: HUGH C. "MIKE" CONLEY, JR.
Address: 74 MONTGOMERY DRIVE
CityStateZip: GRIFFIN, GA. 30223
Phone: 770-412-1210
Email: GENGRUMPY7@WMCONNECT.COM
|
Judy Davis
flmulelady@gdsys.net |
2
Feb, 2005
Ronnie and I plan to
take the Belgian
team and the bigger wagon (so we can ride more children at one time) to
the reunion this year....still cold and
dreary out, looking forward to spring,
Peace and Good Times to all, Judy Nora
|
Walter
Albritton, Jr.
walbritton@elmore.rr.com |
11
July, 2004
"...our families do
plan to host the
reunion the Johnson Family Reunion at Wanemalase in Bingham*, Elmore
County, AL, on July 2, 2005, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Present plans
are to eat at 12:45, to allow more time for swimming, fun, games,
talking and visiting before the meal. Steve and Amy Albritton have done
a terrific job remodeling our old home place and are eager to let their
relatives see it. We will provide more details later. ... We are open
to suggestions from anyone in the family.
Love,
Walter and Dean Albritton
Neva Williams
Margie Flomer
Seth and Pearl Albritton"
* Please note
that this is in Old
Bingham, not New Bingham on Redland Road where Douglas Johnson. A map
and directions will be posted on this site at a later date. Thanks for
this reminder Uncle Wylie! -- Web Editor..
|
David Henry
Johnson
djnoles@mchsi.com |
10
July, 2004
"Hi, we have finally
gotten moved in over
here in Georgia. Between work and the workers putting in sod and fences
and finishing touches on the house it has been a whirlwind few weeks.
Sorry we missed everyone at the reunion, We have definite plans for
next year to be there. Hope you and all yours are doing well. We are
still learning our way around Albany and Leesburg. I am already on
contract and working all day and then coming home and working some more.
Our new address is
147 Pine Summit Drive
Leesburg, Ga. 31763
Our phone is 229-420-3514 and my cell is 229-854-2851.
Tell everyone hello and take care.
David Henry"
|
|
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