   I first met Boots when I was a teenager. She was different than other parents that I knew. She talked to you as if you were an adult. . None of the usual parental banter and she listened.  And you usually learned something during the conversation. I admired her independence and her class. She was a great role model. She was funny, opinionated and loaded with such a wonderful variety of knowledge.  Knowing her later in life was also a privilege. She was bright, loving and still had a twinkle in her eye when discussing topics she was passionate about. She will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives she touched, like mine. So sorry for your loss. 
       Much love, Elaine Watkins


I met Boots through the Friends of the Powhatan Creek when I picked up a bag of bugs (macroinvertebrates) from her to deliver to Randoph Macon College researchers. She impressed me with her humor, her enthusiasm and her interest in the health of the Creek. She was an inspiration to those of us who work on water quality issues, reminding us that people do care and that clean and beautiful streams are a legacy for those who come after us.  I've attached a photo of one of the events Boots helped plan and support - SAV plantings in the Powhatan Creek. Its not a great photo but she is right in the middle - just happy to be there!

Glen, Sondra
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing.Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. Unfortunately, many of my early childhood memories are difficult to draw upon, but among the most vivid are of you and your mother. Your visits always excited my mother, as she prepared us for what would ultimately be an afternoon or evening of laughter and enjoyment; a day in which we looked towards for days preceding. I am sorry we had lost touch over the years, but I am comforted in the many memories and joy that your mother brought. She was always a remarkable lady, both loved and impressed by myself and, especially, my mother.  Again, I am sorrowed over your loss. Please know that you and she will forever be in my thoughts. 
Danny Williams

We were in the kitchen  with aunt Boots , Sondra , Glen and Mom . We were  reminiscing  about old times and her laughter was radiating the room . I don’t think of all the years I’d ever heard her laugh like that . Thank  Goodness I have some of it on video . I love you aunt Boots and will always remember you and that day . 

I am very saddened and sorry to hear of the passing of Boots.  When I came to the county to fulfill the purpose by which I was there to be at the time - which was to protect the environment - of course my path crossed with Boots right away.  At first it was just professional, but very quickly she became a good friend and a person that I sure admired, trusted and learned a lot from.  She would routinely talk with me about all things.  She always asked about my family.  She was a great women, very inspiring to me to do what I had to do and beyond, right until the very end when both of our lives turned radically different from what we had always known.  I was amazed how even though the last few years she was not quite herself but was still was able to find her way somehow to visit and talk with me and still be herself.  She will be missed dearly by family, friends and the natural and water resources which she was devoted to protect.  She was one of the original founding protectors of Powhatan Creek and her memory will live on each day in each drop of water that flows on the creek and each microbe of soil that the native plants and riparian trees bears root in.  I sure will never forget her.

Scott J. Thomas (Richmond formerly of Williamsburg VA)

Sondra and Family, 
I knew Boots through the Friends of the Powhatan Creek Watershed. We worked together water testing, attending Board of Supervisors meeting on behalf of saving our waterways and attending workshops.
I will miss her as a friend, neighbor and lover of the Powhatan Creek.
Fondly Craig




She was predeceased by her loving husband and soul mate, Don Johnson; brother, Oscar Gamble, Jr.; and sister, Doris Herring. She leaves behind her “baby” sister, Margie Bullock of Bessemer, Alabama; son, Glenn Mitchell and his wife Barbara; and beloved grandsons; Sean, Brett and Connor all of Richmond, Virginia; daughter, Sondra Bennett and her husband Michael; and Jax, her canine companion.

OBITUARY

Elsie Gamble Johnson

16 September, 1933 – 24 June, 2018

Nelsen Williamsburg

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services