Virginia Allene (Archer) Johnson
A very precious woman, Virginia Allene (Archer) Johnson, of Williams Bay, WI, passed from this life at her home and into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, July 15th. Ginny was born at home in Conewango, NY, to Donald and Waivie (Frank) Archer on June 4, 1927, the second of four children. She had a great childhood with her grandfather and father owning the general store in Conewango. She attended Grade School at a two room school in Conewango and graduated from Randolph Central High School in 1944. She graduated from WCA Nursing School in 1948 and worked her entire career at WCA Hospital, most of that time as a surgical nurse. She retired from there in 1982. Nursing never stopped when she left the hospital after a shift, continuing to assist any sick or injured family member or friend who had a need.
She married H. Wilbur (“Bill”) Johnson on Nov. 18, 1948, and they celebrated 68 years of a beautiful marriage together. With their own hands, they built their home at 201 E. Virginia Blvd. in Jamestown, NY, where they raised their two children, Gary and Marta. The home was small and cozy but the welcome there was always huge and warm, often with some homemade Swedish rye bread or cardamom bread.
In 1999, Bill and Ginny relocated to Williams Bay, WI, to be near family. Ginny loved each location that she lived in and took advantage of places to walk and cross country ski (even until she was 97!). She loved to travel, especially enjoying Israel, Hungary, Norway and Alaska. Ginny was an endearing person who always looked for the best in a person, would find it, and celebrate it. She could encourage anyone on her path. She was a generous, genuine and kind person. Most of all she was committed to her faith in Jesus Christ and prayed fervently for the things God put on her heart. If you knew her, you were probably in her prayers at some point. Ginny used her strengths and gifts to benefit others and enjoyed volunteering in a variety of ways and places over the years including American Red Cross, Reachout After School Program, Marvin House, Inspiration Ministries, Gideons International Auxiliary and Agape House. She was a former member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, NY, and was currently a member of Grace Church, Walworth, WI. She was a devoted follower of Christ whose faith was reflected in her deeds.
She is survived by her son, Gary Johnson (Luana Josvold) of Mattapoisette, MA; her daughter, Marta (Tim) Schnake of Williams Bay, WI; grandchildren: Berit Johnson (Ian Hill) of Brooklyn, NY; Caleb (Celena) Schnake of McCordsville, IN; Hannah (Austin) Branson of Williams Bay, WI; Jake (Sara) Schnake of Williams Bay, WI; and 9 great grandchildren: Evangelyn, Josiah and Abigail Schnake; Asher, Shane and Linnea Branson; and Noah, Evelyn and Eden Schnake; two sisters: Barbara Brown of Olean, NY, and Clella (“CJ”) Johnson Essex of Estes Park, CO, and several dearly loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents and her brother, John Archer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 am Monday July 21 in Grace Church in Wisconsin which may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq-Cnrq5gLbVIC8AY1C99iw/live.
A Celebration of Life in Jamestown will be held at 10 am Saturday July 26, in the Lind Funeral Home.
Ginny will be greatly missed by family and friends.
We want to thank you for the beautiful flowers and cards given for her to enjoy during her illness. In lieu of flowers at this time, please consider a donation to Gideons International, Samaritan’s Purse, or Grace Church, Walworth, WI.
You may leave words of condolence at lindfuneralhome.com.