Our Grandma Johnson died in 2003, and I miss her so much. She was a wonderful person, always there for you and always making time for you. We stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house a lot when we were little. I learned about sewing, canning, how to make bisquits without using a measuring cup, pressure cookers, home decorating, fishing, camping ... you name it, she knew how.
Born in Oklahoma to Samuel and Beulah Ford Summers, on May 30, 1918, Grandma grew up poor. There were times when her family lived in a covered wagon (I guess it would be like living in a camper to us), traveling around and cutting wood for people. She left home young, becoming a nanny to others. Grandma met my Grandpa when she was 15 and he was 22. They were married and lived in rural Summer, Arkansas, living with Grandpa's mother. My Dad, Ralph was born when she was nearly 17 in that home.
When she was 11, she aquired a sewing machine and taught herself how to sew. Grandma was an excellent seamstress and designer. She made my prom dress and wedding dress ... along with quilts and everything in between. She had a lot of patience, and encouraged me with my projects.
Grandma Johnson was a natural born teacher. She graduated from 8th grade, but didn't go to school after that. I always thought that she should have been a school teacher, or an architect, (she was always drawing house plans and was great at math). Grandma's house was the place to go for the weekend when a grandkid was ready to be potty trained. There was a little doll who peed and a potty chair ... and it only took a couple of days before we had it down pat!
Boy, could she cook! Grandpa got a good breakfast of bacon, eggs, bisquits and gravy everyday, and a good, hearty lunch to take to work at the mill. We had frequent Sunday dinners that she put together effortlessly, it seemed, of ham, mashed potatoes and her special green beans.
Grandma, you were such a blessing to all of us, and we miss you very much.
Love,
Kathy
2 comments:
That's my Auntie Agnes. I remember her cooking and being able to whip up meals effortlessly. She could talk to anybody -- never seemed to meet a stranger. She came to my home once in Mustang OK -- My mom came with her -- and then i got a stomach flu -- she had some tabs that saved my life. I always hated that I got sick and could not enjoy them like I wanted too. It may have been the last time she was able to visit me. She always made the effort. I always knew she cared.
I think the comment above was from my Mom. So Agnes would be my great Aunt. I always loved it when she and Delmar would visit Arkansas. She was such a beautiful person with a vibrant spirit. She knew how to bring smiles to everyone and I loved her and enjoyed listening to her storytelling.
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