Mrs. Gloria Anita Scaldini Johnson

Gloria Anita (Scaldini) Johnson was born March 29, 1925 in Mansfield, Massachusetts. She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Johnson, and by five of her six children: daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Harry Vetter of Moorefield, WV; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Linda Ward of Harker Heights, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Linda Ward of Mt. Selman, TX; daughter, Patricia Thomas of Houston, TX; and daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Carson Pearce of Harker Heights, TX. Gloria joins her daughter, Kathleen Melker, in the loving arms of Jesus. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild. One of nine children, Gloria is survived by her sister, Claudia Guntor of Oxford, Massachusetts and her sister, Ernestine Triplett of Indialantie, Florida.

Gloria and her husband Jim have lived in Killeen since 1964. She worked at Woolworth’s in Killeen for ten years. She was also a very active, long-time member of the Killeen Garden Club. As a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church for over 40 years, she used her love for flowers and all natural beauty to provide altar arrangements for the congregation to enjoy during the weekly services and for special occasions.

Gloria served our community as a volunteer at Metroplex Hospital in the Med-Surg Ward for 30 years. In addition to her regular responsibilities, she also initiated special service. For 28 of those years, she hand made meal tray favors for every patient in the hospital for all major holidays, as a beautiful remembrance of that special holiday. She also decorated the pediatric ward on most holidays and hand made special remembrances of that holiday for any children who were patients. Her picture hangs in a hallway in Metroplex, with other volunteers who have served 20 years or more. At a special dinner for volunteers serving 20 years or more, she received a silver and gold medallion. On February 22, 2002, she was honored as a volunteer by Texas Governor Perry, receiving a framed commission of The Yellow Rose of Texas. In May 2009, she received the title “Volunteer Emeritus” from Metroplex, for her longevity of service.

Gloria is remembered by family and friends as a woman for whom service to others was the highest calling. Her generosity of spirit will always be remembered. Her perseverance through deep trials will continue to be an example to all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Killeen, Texas. To honor Gloria’s love for flowers and all things beautiful, please join the family in wearing brightly colored clothing. Following the service, at 1 p.m., please join us for an inurnment ceremony at the Central Texas Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen. A light snack will be served in Fowler Hall between ceremonies.