Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Johnson, Mildred Schmucker July 5, 2008
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Robert Woolfitt http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008401 April 14, 2026, 6:13 pm

Virginian-Pilot July 6, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH - Mildred S. Johnson, 94, died July 5, 2008, after a brief 
illness. Mrs. Johnson, a native of Norfolk, graduate of the Norfolk Public 
Schools and The College of William and Mary, was foremost a homemaker and 
community volunteer. She was a longtime member of the Norfolk City Union of the 
King's Daughters, serving as president when the first hospital was built at the 
corner of Olney Road and College Avenue in Norfolk and was instrumental in 
recruiting the first full-time pediatric surgeon, George Harkins, to join the 
hospital's staff. Also a lifelong member of the Ghent Garden Club, she was known 
as the "Merry Matron of Ghent" because of her extraordinarily felicitous manner. 
She and her daughter Betty, who predeceased her, were also known for their 
"homemade" Brunswick stew served at countless church bazaars, first at St. 
Andrew's and later at Old Donation. The stew bore a remarkable resemblance to 
Mrs. Fernow's; however, sufficient enhancements were always added to avoid 
infringement claims. A devoted mother and wife, she ably assisted her husband's 
business tirelessly writing dozens of checks to trade vendors by the 10th of 
each month (to capture the two percent cash discount) for more than 40 years 
while raising a family and pursuing her community activities. Despite 
provocation, her equanimity was unfailing. Never once in her adult life was she 
heard to raise her voice at her children or spouse - alas a trait that did not 
pass to the next generation. Survivors include her son, Thomas G. Johnson Jr. of 
Norfolk; her grandchildren, John Vaughan Boone of Providence, R.I., Sallie 
Daniels of Raleigh, N.C., Thomas G. Johnson III of Norfolk, Elizabeth J. Simmons 
of Charlotte, N.C., and Gary C. Johnson of New York City; and several great-
grandchildren. Her husband of 65 years, Thomas G. Johnson, predeceased her. A 
private graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, 
memorial donations may be made to Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters or 
Old Donation Episcopal Church. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel, is 
handling arrangements.

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