GWENDOLYN HOLDER JOHNSON
Sunrise February 19, 1928 – Sunset January 28, 2021
Predeceased by parents, Alexander Jr. and Aurora (Nobles) Holder, husband, Charles Robert Johnson, sons, Darwin Corley, Elbert and Paul Johnson, brothers, Duane and Wilbert Holder and sister, Madeline (Holder) Porter. Survived by sons, Patrick and David Johnson of Austin, TX and daughter, Felicia Hunter of Rochester, NY., four grandsons, several great grandchildren, daughter in-law, Yvonne James Corley, two sister in-laws, other relatives, life- long friends and her neighbors on Lamont Drive in Amherst, NY.
Gwen was born in Buffalo, NY, but moved to Rochester, NY in 2016 to be closer to her daughter. She attended Hutchinson Central High School in Buffalo, NY. She was employed at Westinghouse for over 25 years. In later years, she became a Dental Assistant and a Home Care Assistant. Gwen was a life-long member of First Shiloh Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY. Gwen’s marriage to Charles Johnson, “Rob” as she referred to him came later in life and resulted in a ready- made family of five children that she raised. Gwen was an avid bowler. She loved reading, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She also enjoyed singing, playing the organ and watching old movies. She had a certain wit about her and could come up with one- liners that would leave you dazzled. She also didn’t hold back from telling you how she felt. She loved her sweets and she always made room for dessert. Gwen earned the nickname, “The Cookie Monster”.
In Gwen’s later years, she endured through a diagnosis of dementia still maintaining her keen wit and sense of humor. Subsequently, a battle with Covid 19 diminished her capabilities. She passed peacefully in the company of loving family.
A service will be held in Buffalo at a later date.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. I had the pleasure of making Mrs.Johnson’s acquaintance through her son Darwin and daughter-in-law Yvonne. Whatever memory make you smile the most, I hope you hold those memories close to your heart. May she Rest In Peace.
Gwen was a friend from early childhood, living 3 or 4 doors from me on Adams Street. We walked
to and from Shiloh Baptist Church every Sunday as youngsters .
Our lives frequently intersected over the years and we never lost touch.
Throughout marriages , the birth of children, illness and death, we were available for assistance as needed.
She certainly willl be missed.