Obituary of Peggy Johnson

Peggy Ann Turner Johnson, 81 years old of Bedford passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was the eldest child of Willie Fred and Lucile Holdren Turner. Born June 13, 1930, she grew up in the Bunker Hill Community of Southern Bedford County. She graduated from Moneta High School then Madison College with a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education. Later she earned her Master's Degree from the University of Virginia. Peggy and Bobbie Garrett Johnson were married December 22, 1951 and from this union there were three sons, Dr. Glenn Garrett Johnson, William (Bill) Turner Johnson and Dr. Steven Robert Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, eldest son Glenn, brother W. Paul Turner and his wife, Peggy. Those left to mourn her passing include her husband of 60 years, Bobbie, sons Bill and wife, Claire of Brenham, TX, Steve and wife, Penny of Springfield, VA, one special grandson Andrew of Springfield, VA; sister, Mary Fred Tucker and husband Richard of Urbanna, VA, Aunt, Kathrine R. Turner of Midlothian, VA and sister-in-law, Ada J. Woodford of Moneta. She also leaves three nieces; Michelle T. and husband Dr. Michael Rosemore of Birmingham, AL; Camie and husband, Roger Smith of Kelmarmock; Cindy and husband, Doug Tate of Hanover County and two nephews; W. Gregory Turner and wife, Shawn of Tuscaloosa, AL and M. Douglas Turner of Daleville, VA and a special friend, Dr. Jose Escudeno. She also leaves several great nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends. Peggy worked in the Bedford County School system for 31 years teaching 5th grade at Liberty Academy, Moneta Elementary and Bedford Elementary for many years then served as principal at Moneta and an English Teacher at Staunton River Middle School briefly before retiring. After retiring from the school system, Peggy started her beautiful flower gardens and raising Day Lilies. She spent many happy hours each day from spring through fall in her yard. An article and pictures of her flowers were published in the book "Gardening Through the Golden Years" by Jim Wilson. She enjoyed sharing her yard with many visitors. She also spent a week in the hospital with blood poison in her hand from a rose thorn but that didn't stop her from working in her beautiful rose garden! Peggy became a member of Mount Olivet Southern Baptist Church at an early age and faithfully worked as a Sunday School Teacher and served on numerous committees until her health began to fail. She kept her professional ties with the Association of University Women and was active in the American Hemerdcallis Society, Blue Ridge Day Lily Society, The Hosta Society, The Garden Club of Bedford and the Friday Book Club. Before she began gardening she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, crafts and playing bridge. She and Bobbie enjoyed several trips abroad before getting so involved in her flowers; Scotland, England, France, Mexico, Canada and Alaska. She also enjoyed several cruises. She was a person of many talents and always was busy with a project. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends. The family wishes to thank Mrs. Helen Burks and Staff and Dr. Kathryn Humphreys for their compassionate care of Peggy. Flowers are appreciated, however, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association, 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306, Charlottesville, VA 22901. A celebration of Peggy's life will be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11 AM at Mt. Olivet Southern Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.