Sarah L. Johnson

She was born January 2, 1925 in Bridgewater, NY the daughter of the late William Amos and Flora Henrietta (Fretts) Ray. Being one of 11 children at the age of 11, Sarah went to live with, Dorr and Lulu House who raised her like their own.

On November 16, 1943, Sarah married William D. Johnson from Gilbertsville in Atlanta, GA. William was stationed there in the US Army during WWII. After the war they returned to Gilbertsville to start their life together.

While raising her family, Sarah worked odd jobs around the village for “pin money” (as she always said) helping with housekeeping and serving at parties at several home’s in the area. She also worked for the “Old Mill” Restaurant in Mt. Upton, NY and the Value Way Grocery and Hutchen’s Drug Store in Gilbertsville. In November 1972 she lost her husband and the love of her life. After William’s death, Sarah went to work for Bendix Corp. in Sidney until her retirement in 1990.

She enjoyed dancing with her partner of 24 years, Herb Drake. She loved the companionship she received from her little dog, Chipper but most of all she loved her family and the time spent with them all.

Sarah is survived by her daughter, Dianne and Dennis Fay of Otego; son, Richard (Dick) and Jeri Johnson of Gilbertsville; two granddaughters, Lindsey (Johnson) Burke of Holloman, AFB, NM and Amanda Johnson of Gilbertsville; one grandson, Jeremy Funke of Norwich; two step grandsons, Mike Doescher of Gilbertsville and Dylan Fay of Franklin; three great grandchildren, William Burke of NM, Draven and Trenton Fay of Franklin; one brother, Leon Ray of Unadilla; special friend, Herb Drake of Mt. Upton, her beloved dog, Chipper as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Flora Ray, Dorr and Lulu House; six sisters, Betty Kennedy, Helen Smith, Aberta Brooks, Edna Rogers, Viola Crandall and Mary Finch; and one brother, William Ray.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 in the Oneonta Assembly of God Church, 1667 County Highway 48, Oneonta from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. A service to celebrate the life of Sarah Lovina Johnson will immediately follow at 6:30 PM with the Reverend John Grenier officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Oneonta Assembly of God Church, 1667 County Highway 48, Oneonta, New York 13820 in loving memory of Sarah Lovina Johnson.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.