Gladys O’Steen Johnson, a resident of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., since 1967 and, before that, a resident of Mora, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021, following a brief illness. She was 93 years old. Gladys was born to Hoke and Bertha (Griner) Osteen on February 1, 1928. When Gladys’ mother passed away at a young age, Gladys and her sister Allowee were sent to live with her grandparents in the small town of Mora, Georgia. Gladys’ grandfather worked for the railroad and Gladys enjoyed telling the story of how he stepped out the backdoor of their small home, walked a few yards to the railroad tracks and caught a passing train to go to work.
As a young adult Gladys moved to Jacksonville where she worked briefly for the telephone company as a switchboard operator. She met and fell in love with a young GI freshly home from World War II. His name was Jacob (Jake) Johnson and they married soon afterward.
Gladys loved to travel, and Jacob’s military career moved the family to Germany in the 1950s and Okinawa Japan in the 1960s and later in life she traveled to Australia. She made friends everywhere she went.
Gladys was an avid reader and loved a good mystery or romance. She also loved puzzles, embroidery, cooking, and Elvis. Gladys was active in the Royal Neighbors of America. She spent time writing to her many relatives and friends. She had an amazing memory and could easily recall everyone’s birthday or anniversary.
Gladys doted on her grandchildren, great grandchildren and this past year met her first great-great granddaughter, Sage. Of course, she spoiled them all. Her love for her family was evident in everything that she did.
Survivors include her son, Joe (Betsy) Johnson, of Mims; her daughter-in-law, Karen Johnson of Port St John; surviving siblings, Jimmie Harrell, Naomi Hall and Jackie Robinson; 6 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Jacob R. Johnson Jr, son Daniel D. Johnson, and siblings Allowee Bradstreet and Thomas Faulkner.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021 at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, with Chaplain Don Shobert, officiating. Friends will be received on Friday, November 12, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to St Francis Reflections Life Stage Care of Brevard County:(https://reflectionslsc.org/donate/).
Settle-Wilder Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.