January 1, 1923 – February 12, 2020
Polly was born on January 1, 1923 in Nampa, Idaho. She was the first of two daughters of Homer and Faye Gilmore. When Polly was just six weeks old, the family moved to California where they eventually settled in Altadena, California. Polly was dedicated as a baby at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene. Her younger sister Wilhelmina, was born when she was four years old. The family moved to Covina and lived there until Polly was in the seventh grade, then moved to Pomona where she attended Pomona High School. After high school graduation she enrolled in Pasadena College. It was there in 1941 she met Art Johnson. In October of the next year Art proposed to Polly, but in December he left to serve in WWII. During his time of service Art’s plane was shot down over Yugoslavia (now Croatia) and was declared Missing-in-Action as he and the plane’s crew spent the next seven weeks walking mostly at night over 300 miles to safety with the assistance of local anti-Nazi Partisans. Polly continued her schooling and worked as she prayed for his safe return. It was not an easy time. She continued school and graduated from Pasadena College in 1944. On January 5, 1945 Art arrived home and they were married the same day. After Art finished his service to the Air Corp, they returned to Pasadena, welcomed their first son Arthur Junior, soon to be called Buzz, in February of 1946, and celebrated Art’s graduation from Pasadena College in 1947. Their second son, Jim, was born in 1948 as they continued to live in a home in Altadena. Faye, their third child was born in 1952. The family lived in Pixley for several years with Polly teaching and Art serving as an Administrator of the local district. The family returned to Southern California living in Whittier, where Polly continued her teaching career. In 1968 Art and Polly moved to Sacramento where Polly excelled as a special education teacher until she retired. They moved to Truckee for a few short years, only to return to Sacramento to continue their retirement. Polly, through all her years, loved her family. Her home was always a welcome place for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She loved big family gatherings, but Polly was always a people person and known for her hospitality by all who came to meet her. She served the local church and district leaders by hosting dinners and holiday parties. Her service to her alma mater as a faithful member of the Women’s Auxiliary was not only appreciated but well recognized. Pauline Johnson leaves a legacy of service and hospitality to her family, her church, her educational partners and friends, and her college. She loved her Lord and Polly loved people. It is not surprising that so many people loved her and called her “friend”, grateful for her friendship and kindness to them through the years.
Polly is survived by her 3 children: Buzz Johnson (Arthur Jr.) of Truckee, CA and his wife Maribess Johnson; Dr. James Johnson of San Diego, CA and his wife Dr. Carolyn Johnson; Faye Gandy of Sacramento, CA and her husband Lyman Gandy; 8 grandchildren: Heidi Vaughn of Truckee, CA and her husband Rick Vaughn; Michelle Highsmith of Fair Oaks, CA and her husband Randy Highsmith; Bridget Farren of Penyrn, CA and her husband Jason Farren; Keri Johnson, Truckee, CA; Ryan Johnson of Dana Point, CA and his wife Kim Johnson; Nicole Balogh of Santa Clarita, CA and her husband George Balogh; Kendall Johnson of San Diego, CA and his wife Ashley Johnson; Jami McCray of Citrus Heights, CA and her husband Michael McCray; 16 great-grandchildren: Destanie Adams of Folsom, CA; Christian Adams of Paris, France; Ruthanne Zouboukos of Truckee, CA;s Cooper Sage of San Diego; Jake Vaughn of Truckee, CA; Laura Joyce of Truckee, CA; Dylan Johnson of Dana Point; Hudson McCray of Citrus Heights, CA; Bode Farren of Penryn, CA; Noah McCray of Citrus Heights, CA; Jessie Vaughn of Truckee, CA; Hilary Johnson of Dana Point; Amelia Mc Cray of Citrus Heights, CA; Adella (Adie) Vaughn of Truckee, CA; Morgan Balogh of Santa Clarita; Mason Balogh of Santa Clarita; 2 great-great grandchildren: Jett Black of Sacramento, CA; Zara Black of Sacramento, CA, 5 step grandchildren, and 8 step great-grandchildren,
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Child Sponsorship (Polly is a child sponsor and has supported this ministry much of her adult life).
Contributions may be made online at https://cs.ncm.org/contribution or by check - Payable to:
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Child Sponsorship
PO Box 410946
Kansas City, MO 64179
Arrangements made under the care of Mount Vernon
Memorial Park & Mortuary.
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