OBITUARY
Garland Wade Johnson
June 23, 1945 – February 12, 2021
Garland Wade Johnson, 75, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on February 12th, 2021.
Garland was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 23rd, 1945 to Loe-Alice Hughes and Wade Johnson. He grew up with his younger brothers Rubin and Brinston. As a young man, he pursued his many creative interests, including fine arts and music. He had a wonderful singing voice, could draw and paint, and often hung out with other bohemians in New York City’s famed Greenwich Village. He also loved History and discussing both historical and current events with others. As he grew older and after a brief stint in the army, cooking became Garland’s chief hobby and pleasure.
In his early 20s, living in Queens, NY, Garland met Lana Eastmond. They fell in love and married in 1966 shortly after, Garland started work at the United Nations where he became the manager of several departments.
Garland and Lana started a family, complete with three children. He took his role as guide and provider very seriously and fulfilled that role until his last breath.
In addition to Lana, Garland is survived by his children Jyna Johnson, Garland Johnson, Jr., and John Johnson. He was preceded in passing by his mother, Loe-Alice Hughes; his father, Wade Johnson; and his brothers Rubin Johnson and Brinston Johnson.
The funeral service will be held at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Homes, 1221 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, FL, on Thursday, February 25th at 2:00 PM. There will be a visitation at the same location beginning at 12:00 PM. His family will be present to welcome loved ones.
If anyone would like to send memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, please send to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.
DONATIONS
- American Diabetes Association
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, February 25, 2021
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Funeral. Service
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Memories
Garland Wade Johnson
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYLorraine Williams
February 27, 2021
What an individual! Garland was a very unique person, one that people loved to be around to listen to his many stories. I loved to listen to his endless stories about his art and his "antics" in Greenwich Village NYC, Garland had a quality that made him stand out in such a beautiful and wondrous way - I was captivated by his stories. Garland was also a chef and mastered the art of making food taste wonderful. I remember one of the many times Lana and Garland had invited us over for dinner - Garland had created a feast and amongst the many dishes he presented to his guests was this amazing fish stew, I could not believe my eyes and my taste-buds - we feasted that evening. Garland, you were a trailblazer. I am so happy I was on one of your paths in life, I was blessed to have met you - you are and will be forever missed. heartfelt - Lorraine and Terry Williams xx
Sheila Hudson
February 25, 2021
I met Garland 62 years ago when his family introduced themselves and welcomed us to the neighborhood in Corona, NY. Garland became the "big brother" that I never had. He protective of all of, especially the girls in our neighborhood. If he saw us walking around late, he would yell for us to get our tails home. Besides being handsome, his smile was his personality. Later in life, he started reading palms and predicted that my oldest son's life was going to be short lived my a disease. He was accurate in his prediction. Rest in peace my "big brother" and give my love to all who preceded you from our hometown. Love you always.
Cheryl Reynolds
February 25, 2021
My memory of Garland goes back to me being in the 7th grade.
I was introduced to Garland by his brother Ruben .
We also grew up in the Corona EastElmhurst area.
Garland was the handsome sexy guy in the neighborhood.
Our paths crossed again after he married his beautiful wife Lana.
We all formed a family relationship.
He was Uncle Garland and she was Aunt Lana to my children.
We lived in different states but always stayed in touch.
I have beautiful memories of Garland and my Dad standing over the barbecue grill with a drink in his hand .
I have so many great memories of our families together.
Garland thank you for your friendship and love always .
My Dear Sister Lana
I love you I am here for you
and I am a phone call away always.
To my beautiful niece and two handsome nephews know that God has you in His hand .Love Aunt Cheryl
Donna Webb
February 25, 2021
My dearest cousin Garland better known as Galawade, you will be always remembered as the “Best Babysitter in the World”. We loved it when you came around, you were so cool in your maxi coat looking like John Shaft. You spent all your pay on buying us goodies and keeping us happy. Mommy didn’t appreciate the sink full of dishes but you smoothed talk her and made everything okay. I Love ❤️ you Cuz until we meet again.
Jason Smith
February 25, 2021
I always enjoyed listening to my father Floyd Smith and Garland talk about spending time on the farm in Chester County, South Carolina. They both enjoyed pleasant memories and that place instilled in them strong values they both lived by and passed on to their children.
Rest in Peace.
Jason A. Smith
Salisbury, Maryland
Allison Wright
February 25, 2021
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of spending time with Garland and the family during holiday celebrations in East Elmhurst Queens NY.
My prayers are God will continue to stay close to the family during the difficult time.
Please reach out any time.
Shameika Ford
February 24, 2021
Garland,
You will be missed greatly. I am so appreciative for the love you and Lana have shown me and the kids. Thank you both for the kind words and hospitality as well over the years. We will see you again soon. Prayers and condolences to Lana and the family. Lana, we love you. We are here for you. Thank you. I’m am here for you during this time and beyond. Love from the kids and myself.
Candy Gellineau
February 24, 2021
Garland and my late husband (Stanley Gellineau) grew up in the same neighborhood in Queens, New York. Stan moved to Illinois where I met him. I first met Garland and Lana in New York during one of our many visits to Stan’s family. It was very easy to get to know him. It was as though I knew Garland from years back as well. He and Lana were so welcoming, gracious and Garland definitely had a wonderful sense of humor. My two children and I also visited them in Florida after they moved there. What a wonderful person. Although they lived in separate states, they (Garland and Stan) kept in touch over the years and Stan always regarded Garland as one of his life-long “best” friends. They can now pick up in heaven where they left off here on earth. Lana, I am just a phone call away. ❤️
Christian Delmore
February 24, 2021
Uncle Garland,
You will be remembered forever. You and Aunt Lana are a pivotal piece in helping me become the man I am and aim to be. He was always the best at turning a down mood into a insightful one. He helped me turn negative situations into a story of resilience. He made our whole family laugh and showcased unconditional love to us all. I know you are in heaven smiling down on us.
Alicia Fleming
February 23, 2021
Dear Garland -
Thank you for being my friend. You and Lana were a second family to me. I will miss your smile, your laughter and your kindness.
Rest in Peace,
With Sincere Condolences to Lana and Family.
Alicia
Eugene & Carolyn Smith
February 21, 2021
You not only were a good neighbor, but also a good friend for many years. We both feel so fortunate that we met and shared some good times together.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Gene and Carolyn (Cookie) Smith
Kathy Reyes
February 21, 2021
Dear Garland
I will never forget your loving heart and personality. I pray you Rest In Peace together with my Gregory!
All my love to Lana and your beloved family.
Kathy
Adrienne Braswell
February 20, 2021
The Braswell family wishes to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of cousin Garland. Sending heartfelt prayers of comfort to the family and the hope that God’s grace will lighten your burden & give you peace during your bereavement. Garland will be dearly missed.
Florence Albury
February 20, 2021
Garland as your Lifelong Friend I will miss your smile and unique humor never a frown or burden with you. You did turn John Little's Annual Birthday parties into Soul Train time, salsa mambo going down memory lane when singing Motown's favorite songs with the group. Always a special spotlight on what many waited for would be those Hits and Tunes.
Melodies, great conversation and could dance with all the night away. We did enjoy our lives' I would have to add, when there were the times the group from Corona and The Hurst got together. My Condolences and Peace to Lana, and those who you are leaving behind for now. Rest well my guyfriend... AMEN
Maureen Mair
February 19, 2021
I just want to extend my deepest condolences to Lana and all of the family. Garland was such a nice easy going man. I only met him a few times but Lana always spoke very highly of him and what a great cook he was. I could tell that he loved his family deeply. May he rest in peace and his memory live on forever
Love Maureen.
Anthony Carter
February 19, 2021
Garland was my best friend for nearly 60 years. And he told everyone that I was his best friend.
We shared a lot. We survived a lot. We honored and respected each other even when we disagreed. We compromised and that allowed us to remain friends over many decades and through many incredible life changes – joys and sorrows – together.
I am grateful that Garland had a good life, a wonderful and beautiful family and me, his best friend.
Garland: I will miss you in my life. Rest in peace dear friend until we meet again.
Tony Carter
Matthew Delmore
February 19, 2021
My uncle garland was one of the most colorful people you can get to meet. I spent time growing up listening to him telling me about history and a variety of stories. My uncle was probably the best chef in my family lol. He was keen on his beliefs and was never shy to speak his mind. It was one of the major reasons I loved to get to spend time with him. I’ll never forget how he taught and made me really focus in on how to be a great chess player. My uncle was one of a kind and I think everyone who had the pleasure to meet him can relate. We love you, miss you and we know that you’re in a better place now
BONITA KIRBY
February 18, 2021
Garland I will always call you my brother because we have a lifelong history together. You were always there when needed and with your smile and advice calmed my storms. It was a blessing to have you in my life. You married a remarkable and blessed lady. Lana loves you with all her heart and stood by you in the worst and in the best. Your memories with all the family will never fade. We have comfort knowing that you are in the arms of Our Lord and you are at peace. Thank you Lana for sharing Garland in so many lives.
Gonzalo & Ana Hernandez
February 16, 2021
RIP Garland. Your life has touched so many people positively. We keep your dear memory in our hearts. May God bring healing and peace to your family and friends.