LCDR (U.S.N. Ret) Mildred Elizabeth Johnson

Lt. Commander Mildred Elizabeth Johnson, age 95, resident of Winter Park, Florida, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Funeral services are scheduled at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 Wednesday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dewayne Creswell officiating. Internment will follow in the Fountain Garden of Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary.

Mildred, daughter of the late William and Lizzie Johnson, was born June 16, 1924 in Baker County, Georgia. She attended nursing school and earned a nursing degree from Florida State University.

In 1959, she joined the United States Navy where she served for twenty years as a Navy Nurse. Her twenty years of service include tours of duty at Naval Hospital- St. Albans, Naval Hospital-Camp LeJeune, USNS General Simon B. Buckner, Naval Hospital-Portsmouth, NH, Naval Hospital- Philadelphia, Naval Hospital- Orlando, Naval Hospital-Naples, and Naval Regional Medical Center- Orlando, Through her dedicated service she achieved the rank of Lt. Commander. She earned the Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After retiring from the United States Navy in 1979 with a strong desire to continue to use her skills to serve others, Johnson joined the medical team at Winter Park Memorial Hospital as an operating room nurse. After twenty years of dedicated service as a nurse to the Winter Park community, she retired for a final time at age 70 from Winter Park Hospital. She has enjoyed the last 15 years in Winter Park hosting family members when they visited the Winter Park area, traveling with friends, and various community events and activities.

Mildred sang in her church choir for over 40 years. She was a member of the Florida Nursing Association for over 25 years. She served as the chaplain for the Retired Officers Wives Club of Central Florida.

Mildred was cheerful, thoughtful, and prayerful. She was a fun-loving lady who was full of life. Her smile could light up a room and it was infectious. She was a delight to be around, always positive. She was always generous to family, friends, and worthy causes. Prayer and faith were important to her. She would always take time to be mindful of the needs of others and pray for friends and family. She will be remembered as a lady who pursued her dreams with excellence, and encouraged others to do the same.

She is survived by one sister-in-law, JoAnn Gross and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by three brothers Howard (Dick) Johnson, C.K. Johnson, and Bill Johnson and 2 sisters LaVerne Daniel, and Mattie Mae LaCaze.