Here's a winning football team we can all get behind. We're proud to report that the Cairo (GA) Syrupmakers are continuing their winning ways in 2011! Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr., sent the news that on Friday night, 25 November 2011, ...

Cairo won against St. Pius X Catholic and will now play Peach County High School this Friday night in the GA 3A SEMIFINALS…. [T]he Syrupmakers will head to Fort Valley, GA to play the Peach County Trojans for an 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time  kickoff Friday.

Why is this such great news for the Johnson Family? For those of you who do not know, David Henry Johnson is Offensive Line Coach of the Cairo Syrupmakers and his son Spencer Brady Johnson is #55, an Offensive Guard and one of the team's star players! See the Syrupmakers' victories thus far and follow their future progress on this GA 3A Championship bracket.

Pictured L to R here: Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr., #55 Offensive Guard Spencer Brady Johnson, Offensive Line Coach David Henry Johnson and Seth Herbert Johnson after the Cairo vs St. Pius X Catholic football game. The Cairo Syrupmakers won that Georgia 3A Quarter Final game 21-0.

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We just had to share this great photo of Callie Elizabeth Johnson Graham and husband SGT Joseph Graham USMC. On Saturday evening, 12 November 2011, they had a wonderful time at the annual U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Camp Lejune, NC. Family members may recall that Joey returned home from Afghanistan in June after a 7 month deployment. It's great to see the happy couple enjoying this evening!

Callie Beth is the daughter of Parley Phillip, Jr. and Callie Gail Pickron Johnson and granddaughter of Parley Philip, Sr. and Edith Christine Fail Johnson (Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine). Callie Beth and Joey have one son, Kaiden Michael.


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Children of David Glenn and Vaunita O. Johnson (Uncle Dave and Aunt Vaunita) had a wonderful occasion to gather together this fall at Grace Episcopal Church, 906 Pike Road, Mount Meigs, AL. On 16 October 2011, altar hangings were "Given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Vaunita Johnson" by her children. Four of the seven living children were present for the dedication. They are pictured here (l to r): Jeanne Susanne Yancey, Mildred Gwendoyn Cohen, Orson L. "Pete" Johnson and Wylie Charles Johnson. Jeanne's husband Dr. Tom Yancey and Pete's wife Jean Johnson were also present. The Rev. David Peeples and The Rt. Rev. Henry Nutt Parsley Jr., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, officiated.

See more photos of the day. …

and... Read More...

Please put Margie Flomer on your prayer list. She is to undergo surgery for breast cancer next week. The following was received from her yesterday, 1 Nov. 2011.

...October 31 I met with Dr. Eaddy the surgeon who will operate.  Date for that has not been set but hopefully Tuesday or Wednesday, November 8 or 9.  The good report from him is that it can be done with a lumpectomy and should not be a problem (easy for him to say, it's not on him)...

 

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We are pleased to announce the marriage of Katheryn Ashley Sellers to Brian Brunner. They were married on 17 March 2011 in Euless, TX. Ashley is the daughter of James Mills “Jim” and Katheryn Irene “Kit” Tillery Sellers, granddaughter of Emily Katheryn Veder Tillery and great-granddaughter of Henry Paul and Emily Fay Johnson Veder (Uncle Paul and Aunt Emily Fay).

Love and best wishes to you, Ashley and Brian! Family members can write to the newly-wed couple at this address:

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Brunner
1305 Monterrey Blvd., #110
Euless, TX 76040

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This in from Richard Kyle Berkstresser, Jr. regarding wife Leigh Ann...

Just got back from the emergency room at Jackson's Hospital. Leigh Ann has re- herniated the disc in her back and we go to see her back surgeon Monday. She is on an intense four medication treatment plan that will hopefully, only reqiure physical therapy. Prayers requested!

Richard is the son of Laurida Emily Albritton Berkstresser and a grandson of Walter and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline).

Richard, we will keep Leigh in our prayers. Family members who would like to send love and get well wishes to Leigh Ann, send email to rberkstresser(at)elmore(dot)rr(dot)com or mail cards to:

Mrs. Leigh Ann Berkstresser
316 Lewis Rd.
Deatsville, AL 36022

Update 9/20/11 - From Richard...

Leigh had a good visit with Dr. Davis this morning. Basically there is no change. Leigh has a herniated disc and she is going to treat it with medication and being careful at work. Please continue to pray for her and she goes back to Dr. Davis on the 17th....We really appreciate all the prayers, calls and concern.

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This just in from Parley Philip Johnson, Jr. (2 Aug. 2011 @ 10:05 CDT)...

Elizabeth H. Ridolphi's memorial service will be Friday August 5 2011at Trinity Presbyterian Church 1728 South Hull Street Montgomery Al. 36104Church phone # is 334 262 3892

Her son, Duke Ridolphi posted this on his facebook page about an hour ago.

- Parley P. Jr.

Our deepest sympathy to the Ridolphi family. More information will be posted soon.

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Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr. sent word that one of the matriarchs of the extended Johnson family has passed away. Jane Shivers Poundstone, widow of Dave Johnson Poundstone, died on 4 July 2011. Dave was the son of Emmett Robert and May Johnson Poundstone and grandson of Dave (Great Uncle Dave, brother of Grandfather Seth Johnson) and Myrtle Stennett Johnson. Here is Jane’s obituary as posted by Southern Memorial Funeral Home:

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The C. Mac Johnson Farmer’s Market Day drew a tremendous crowd to the Montgomery State Farmers’ Market on Saturday, 9 July 2011. There were prizes, awards, exhibits, and live entertainment. Most especially, the host of Alabama citizens came to honor the memory and hard work of Charles McIntyre Johnson, Sr. (Uncle Mac) in founding and promoting the Alabama Farmers’ Market. At right, Aunt Gene receives a special citation honoring Uncle Mac presented by Governor and Mrs. Bentley and Commissioner of Agriculture McMillan. Click the “Read More..” button and see more great photos in the slide show.

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Thank you, Walter, Jr., Neva Caroline, Margie Helen, Seth Henry, Laurida Emily’s family, and all other members of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family!!!

The 2011 Johnson Family Reunion on 2 July was wonderful! And the gracious hospitality of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family made it extra special!! We congregated at the Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church in Wetumpka, AL for fun, fellowship and, as always, fabulous food. Did you get your copy of Memories: Caroline Johnson Albritton compiled and edited by Walter, Jr.?

Reunion photos were made by Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr. and his son Luke McIntyre Johnson (and others?). Also these great pics were made by Margie Flomer. Thank you, Parley, Luke and Margie! Do you have some to share? If so, please share with the rest of the family by sending to johnsonreunion(at)brooknet(dot)com


... or by old fashioned post to:

Pete and Jean Johnson
3716 Old Leeds Rd.
Birmingham, AL 35213

We’ll post your reunion photos or a link to your reunion photos on this website. We promise to return hard copy photos to you!

Thanks again to the Albrittons for a great family reunion!!

Thank you, Walter, Jr., Neva Caroline, Margie Helen, Seth Henry, Laurida Emily’s family, and all other members of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family!!!

The 2011 Johnson Family Reunion on 2 July was wonderful! And the gracious hospitality of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family made it extra special!! We congregated at the Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church in Wetumpka, AL for fun, fellowship and, as always, fabulous food. Did you get your copy of Memories: Caroline Johnson Albritton compiled and edited by Walter, Jr.?

Reunion photos were made by Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr. and his son Luke McIntyre Johnson (and others?). Also these great pics were made by Margie Flomer. Thank you, Parley, Luke and Margie! Do you have some to share? If so, please share with the rest of the family by sending to johnsonreunion(at)brooknet(dot)com


... or by old fashioned post to:

Pete and Jean Johnson
3716 Old Leeds Rd.
Birmingham, AL 35213

We’ll post your reunion photos or a link to your reunion photos on this website. We promise to return hard copy photos to you!

Thanks again to the Albrittons for a great family reunion!!

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This news in from Joyce O’Brien. Be sure to update your family address books.

[M]y daughter Nancy and her husband Lee Borders are relocating to Alabama.  Nancy has retired from teaching in Clarksville, TN, and they have built a new home on my grandparents' home place in Santuck, which is out from Wetumpka.  They plan to move into their new home on July 15.  Their new address will be:  

Lee and Nancy Borders
85 Powell Loop
Wetumpka, AL 36092

Nancy Anne O’Brien Borders is the daughter of Seth Michael “Mickey” and Joyce Graham O’Brien and granddaughter of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson Johnson O'Brien (Aunt Dot and Uncle Joe/“Peanut”). Welcome back to Alabama, Lee and Nancy!

Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to update/add your contact information for Lee and Nancy’s son Lee and daughter Neva and their families.

Lee G. Borders, Jr. (Heather)
3025 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32207

 Neva (Borders) Huddleston (Brian, husband;  Zach, son)
900 South Dean Road
Auburn, AL 36830

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This in from Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr. ...

Please pray for our cousin Charlie Brewer. He was involved in a horrible car accident, to my knowledge the driver of the car was speeding well over the normal limit, after losing control of the vehicle, both driver and passenger were brutally ejected from the car. The car flipped 4x once they became airborne throwing each person in different directions. Charlie was air lifted from the hospital in Monroe, LA and taken to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. Some of his injuries consist of bleeding of the brain, broken neck, bruised lungs and several server cuts throughout his body. His condition is critical! Any prayers and greatly needed and appreciated!!

Charlie Brewer is the son of Chuck Brewer, grandson of Pete and Neva Leota O’Brien Brewer and great-grandson of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson Johnson O’Brien (Uncle Joe, “Peanut”, and Aunt Dot.)

Charlie is in our in our most urgent prayers. Thank you for sharing, Parley! More information ASAP. Family members can send their love get well wishes for Charlie to Neva Leota:
      Mrs. Neva O. Brewer
      126 Cedarbrook Drive
      Monroe, La. 71203

Note that the above is a new address for Neva Leota (changed from 4890 Highway 16 E., Clinton, AR 72031-8863). She is now (as of this writing, 7/7/11) living with her granddaughter Kristen Gilliland. Please change in your address books.

UPDATE 6/17/11 -- The accident happened about midnight, 6/16-17/2011. Charlie is in stable condition but is suffering from brain swelling.

UPDATE 6/24/11 -- Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr. - with a a big “Praise the Lord ! The Power of Prayer….” - forwarded the following update on Charlie from Tana Rountree. (Tana is a first cousin of Charlie’s father Chuck Brewer.)

6/21/11

I just wanted to let all of you know that I received a message from Kristen Gilliand (Kathy Gilliand's daughter, Aunt Neva Brewer's granddaughter) about Charlie Brewer (Chuck Brewer's son) & it looks like he's going to be ok although he does a long road to recovery ahead of him. She said that Aunt Neva actually spoke to him on the phone yesterday.

It looks like the prayers helped.

Tana

This is wonderful news! Please continue to keep the family posted, Parley and Tana, and we will continue our prayers.

UPDATE 7/3/11 -- This update in today from Charlie’s great aunt Joyce O’Brien...

I talked with Neva Leota on Thursday.  Charlie is home from the hospital, but he is not thinking clearly yet, and he has no memory of the accident.  The best person to keep in touch with for current and accurate updates is probably Neva's daughter, Kathy.  Her e-mail address is gillilan(at)ulm(dot)edu.

UPDATE 7/7/11 - This update from Kristen Gilliland Jones (Charlie’s first cousin)...

Charlie is doing a lot better. He still has a ways to go but improves everyday.

UPDATE 7/25/11 - From Joyce O’Brien - a conversation with Charlie’s grandmother Neva Leota (O'Brien) Brewer tell us that “he continues to improve.” Keep up those prayers!

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Welcome, Lucia Carmichael May! She was born at Brookwood Hospital on 16 June 2011, at 8:18 a.m. She is 7 lbs., 5 oz., 20.25 in. long. Lucia (“Lulu”) is the daughter of Joshua and Kellet Carmichael May, granddaughter of Melanie Fay Johnson (“Marmee”) and great-granddaughter of Wylie Pierson and Lurene Hall Johnson (Uncle Wylie and Aunt Dolly). Mother and baby are doing fine! Father Josh is beaming with pride and big sister Lillian “Lillie” Carmichael May is already watchful over Lulu.

Kellet and Josh shared the sweet photo at right of Miss Lulu in her beautiful coming home ensemble - a pink dress (with matching slip) and bonnet lovingly hand made by Grandmother Melanie Fay. “Marmee” even hand embroidered “Lulu” at the hem.

Family members can send their love and congratulations to Kellet and Josh to

Josh and Kellet Carmichael May
740 Chestnut Ave.
Birmingham, AL 35216

or email to thecarmichael(at)gmail(dot)com Read More...

SGT Joseph Graham USMC returns home Sunday 12 June 2011 after 7 month deployment in Afghanistan. As his father-in-law Parley Phillip Johnson, Jr. says, “Praise the Lord!” SGT Graham has served as a forward observer with Fire Control Team 5, Supporting Arms Liaison Team Chuck, 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. He and his task force, “[monitor] ... for insurgent activity... Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, Task Force Belleau Wood, supply units... with indications and warning of insurgent activity.” This quote and photo at right are re-printed from a 7 May 2011 article on the official website of the U.S. Marine Corps. If you want to know what that means - to get a glimpse into what it’s like for these Marines - read this article. (Photo of SGT Graham at right is in that article, also.)

SGT Graham, “Joey”, will be welcomed home by his wife Callie Elizabeth (Johnson) Graham and son Kaden Michael Graham at Camp Lejune, Jacksonville, NC. Callie and Kaden Graham put up the Welcome Home sign at right at the main gate of Camp Lejune, NC.
 
Callie Elizabeth and Kaden Michael are the daughter and grandson of Parley Philip and Callie Gail Johnson, and granddaughter and great-grandson of Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine.


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See UPDATE 7/3/11 at end of this post!

The 2011 Johnson Family Reunion is almost here! The family of Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline Johnson invite you to attend the reunion on 2 July 2011, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church in Wetumpka, AL (near Bingham Bend, just north of the Tallapoosa River and a few miles southeast of Wetumpka - same location as in 2010). Below is the invitation sent out to family members.

Thank you, Walter, Jr., Neva Caroline, Margie Helen, Seth Henry,Laurida Emily’s family, and all other members of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family! We look forward to seeing you on 2 July in Wetumpka!

CAN’T VIEW THE INVITATION? DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR HERE!

UPDATE 7/3/11

WONDERFUL
Family Reunion!
Thank you, Walter, Jr., Neva Caroline, Margie Helen, Seth Henry, Laurida Emily’s family, and all other members of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family!!!

The 2011 Johnson Family Reunion on 2 July was wonderful! And the gracious hospitality of the Walter and Caroline Albritton Family made it extra special!! We congregated at the Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church in Wetumpka, AL for fun, fellowship and, as always, fabulous food. We hope to receive photos soon from family members for posting here. Do you have some to share? Please send to:

johnsonreunion(at)brooknet(dot)com

or by old fashioned post to:

Pete and Jean Johnson
3716 Old Leeds Rd.
Birmingham, AL 35213

(We promise to return hard copy photos to you!)

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On Saturday, 28 May 2011, Wylie Pierson Johnson (Uncle Wylie, “Paw”) hosted family and friends at his property on the Cahaba River in Bibb Co., AL to view the gloriously beautiful and rare Cahaba Lilies (Hymenocallis coronaria). The lilies were in full bloom, and there were many other lovely wildflowers on display, too! Barbara and Chuck Peterson came all the way from Lawrence Co., AL to enjoy the day with the Johnson Family. Uncle Wylie’s daughter Melanie Fay Johnson (a.k.a. “Lady Melanie” :-)) also enjoyed the picnic and field trip festivities. Chuck and Barbara even brought their kayaks to float the river so that they could get great closeup views of the lilies. The lovely Cahaba Lily closeup photo at right was taken that day by Barbara. Be sure to click “Read More...” below to view the photo slide show and read Barbara’s great story about the day from her blog “Brambly Pines”. Uncle Wylie’s son-in-law James Hill also made some great photos of the wild flowers at “Pawland” just a few days before this event and these were added to the slideshow.

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We are proud to announce that on Thursday, 26 May 2011, Clifford Kostmayer graduated from Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, MS. Clifford is the son of Tana Lynn Rountree and Louis Kostmayer, grandson of Josephine Pierson “Josie” O’Brien Rountree and great-grandson of Joseph Nathaniel and Dorothy Dixson Johnson O’Brien (Uncle "Joe" and Aunt "Dot"). Tana shared several nice photos of the family at the happy event. See those photos.

Congratulations, Clifford! Best of luck for the future! Family members can send their love and congratulations for Clifford to mother Tana at

Ms. Tana Rountree
237 Saratoga
Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Or to her email address at tlr1462(at)yahoo(dot)com

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Via friends on Facebook, we see a wonderful new addition to the Johnson Family! Lucas Michael Heaton was born to Michael and Hanna Heaton on (we think) 25 May 2011. We found some cutie pie pictures anyway! :-) Lucas Michael is the great-grandson of John Robert and Margie Helen Albritton Flomer and great-great-grandson of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline)

We’ll post more information here as soon as we can! Congratulations, Michael and Hanna!

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We’ve received the wonderful news of the birth of Davis McIntyre Aldridge to Ro and Rebecca Caroline Davis Aldridge. He was born on 10 May 2011. He weighed 8 pounds and was 21 1/2 inches long. Little Davis is the grandson of George and Gene Burt Johnson Davis and great-grandson of Charles McIntyre and Gene Burt Johnson (Uncle Mac and Aunt Gene).

Grandmother Gene Burt says,

Mom and Baby are doing fine and big brother [Lanier] and Dad are very proud. Grandparents and Uncle Jacob are enjoying spoiling him! Great Grandmother can't wait to hold him.

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UPDATE 5/9/11: This message just in from Dottie Ennis. Please contact Dottie if you have any questions at dlucyb(at)gmail(dot)com

Scrubbie’s memorial service will be this Saturday May 14 at 1:30 pm at the 1st Baptist Church of Tampa. [The First Baptist Church of Tampa is located at 302 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33606.] I am reserving a block of rooms at the Best Western on South Dale Mabry in South Tampa.

UPDATE #2 5/9/11: Click on “Read more...” link below. Scrubbie’s obituary has been added.

*****************

Neva Miriam Scruggs Ennis, our dear “Cousin Scrubbie,” passed away on the evening of 7 May 2011 at her residence at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, NC. Daughter-in-law Dorothy (“Dottie”) Bassett Ennis sent this message:

A sad note on this beautiful mothers day. Scrubbie died peacefully last night with nurses holding her hands. Gary and I were so blessed to have her with us for so long, and now at 103 1/2, she is spending mothers day with her mother. We will miss her, but we are also so happy that she is at rest.

We are on our way to NC to make arrangements for her, probably a small memorial service here in Tampa.love to you all,

Dottie and Gary

"Scrubbie" was born 14 August 1907, in Gainesville, Florida to Brick Pomeroy and Sarah Fay Carmichael Scruggs. Cousin Scrubbie's mother, Sarah Fay Carmichael, was born in Newnan, GA on 14 December 1882, to William Spencer and Manora Alzada Summers Carmichael. Sarah Fay had an older sister in the house when she was born. Her "big" sister was approximately one year old at the time. Her name was Neva Kate Carmichael - our own Grandmother Johnson who would be the future wife of Seth Johnson.

(Click “Read more...” link below to read obituary.)

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We are very proud to announce this news just in from Parley Philip Johnson, Jr.... his son Luke McIntyre Johnson was promoted to (E5)  SGT of Marines on 1 May 2011! Family members may recall that Luke recently served as a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan. He returned to Camp Pendleton, CA on 10 November 2010 and came home on a well-deserved Christmas furlough 11 December 2010.

Luke is the son of Parley Philip, Jr. and Callie Gail Johnson and grandson of Parley Philip, Sr. and Edith Christine Fail Johnson (Uncle Philip and Aunt Christine). Family members can send their love and congratulations for Luke to Parley and Callie Gail at parley(at)fairpoint(dot)net.

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We are happy to hear from cousin Richard Brown that his grandson Dallas Clayton Cox will graduate from the University of Georgia on 13 May 2011.  He will graduate Cum Laude from the School of Public and International Affairs.  

Dallas is the son of Patricia Lynn ("Patti") Brown Cox, grandson of Richard William and Shirley Ruth Bryan Brown, great-grandson of Fred Emerson ("Zeke") and Monora Katherine ("Nonnie") Conley Brown and  great-great-grandson of Judge Thomas Drayton and Manora Othello Carmichael Conley (Auntie and Uncle Judge). Othello is Neva Kate Carmichael (Mrs Seth) Johnson's sister.

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We are pleased to announce that Tere Trawick Thornton and Walker Percy Badham, IV, are engaged! They plan to marry at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, AL on 28 May 2011.

Walker is related to the Johnsons through his mother’s side of the family. He is the son of Percy Walker, III, and Marjory Paterson (“Patti”) Poundstone Badham, grandson of Phillip and Marjory Poundstone, great-grandson of Emmett and Nancy May Johnson Poundstone, 2x great-grandson of Dave (brother of Seth Johnson) and Myrtle Johnson, and 3x great-grandson of Philip Padddleford and Caroline Adelia Dixson Johnson.

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The Johnson Family Reunion (2 July 2011, Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church in Wetumpka - don’t miss it!) is not the only reunion to place on your calendar. The Conley Family Reunion is scheduled for Sunday, 29 May 2011, at Mike Conley’s place near Griffin, GA. Mike invites all Johnson Family members - the “extended family” - to attend!

Mike is a descendant of Judge Thomas Drayton and Manora Othello Carmichael Conley (Auntie Othello and Uncle Judge). Othello is Neva Kate Carmichael (Mrs Seth) Johnson's sister.

For more Conley Family Reunion information, contact Wylie Pierson Johnson (Uncle Wylie). Call him at 205-914-6969 or email wylie80(at)yahoo(dot)com.
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In October, 2010, Luke, III (“Tracy”) and Jennifer (“ Jenny”) Johnson moved to a new home in Briargrove in Houston, TX. Their new address:
      Mr. and Mrs. Luke Johnson, III
      6255 Cedar Creek Dr.
      Houston, TX 77057

The home is “new” to them at least. Tracy and Jenny completely restored the home!
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On 15 March 2011, Wylie Pierson Johnson (Uncle Wylie) and several other Johnson Family members hosted a demonstration planting of the American Chestnut at Half Mile Shoals, Uncle Wylie’s property on the Cahaba River in Bibb Co.. The planting was arranged by Tim Albritton, (Timothy Paul Albritton), himself a state forester. Tim is the son of Rev. Walter Matthew, Jr. (also present at the planting) and Louise Eudene (“Dean”) Albritton and grandson of Walter Matthew and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline). Other family members present were Uncle Wylie’s son Wylie Benjamin (“Ben”) Johnson, grandsons Edward Seth (“Ted”) Atkinson and Spencer Henry Johnson (Ben’s son) and great-grandson Timothy Graham Ryan.
 
An educational program was presented to all about the greatly endangered American chestnut tree by Mr. Mac Phillippi, President of the Alabama Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF). In a message to the Chapter’s Board of Directors, Phillippi later wrote, “I know there will be future plantings that will reach more people but I don't think I'll ever enjoy planting chestnuts as much as I did with Mr. Johnson [Uncle Wylie] and the people in the attached photos." See the enlarged photos with identifying captions. Read More...

We hear that Willie Ray and Betty Margaret Johnson Johnson (“Swampy” and Betty Margaret) will soon be enjoying a river boat cruise in France! They leave on 26 March and return to the States on 14 April 2011. Their journey will take them on the Rhone, Saone and Seine Rivers. Following the cruise, they will spend an additional four days in Paris. How beautiful will that be in Spring?! Betty Margaret is the daughter of Seth, Jr. and Kathleen VanHoose Johnson (Uncle Seth and Aunt Kathleen).

Bon voyage, Swampy and Betty Margaret! We will be with you at least in spirit. Don’t forget to send pictures!
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We are pleased to announce that, on Saturday, 12 March 2011, Jennifer Lynn Collier and Stanford Blake Terry were wed. The ceremony took place at 11 o’clock in the morning at the Savannah Yacht Club in Savannah, GA.

This is the second exciting event in Jennifer Lynn’s life recently. In May 2010, she received her Juris Doctor law degree from the University of Mississippi. (Read that article.) Jennifer Lynn is the daughter of Teresa Fay (“Terri”) Murphy O’Neal and granddaughter of John Gribbin and May Nora Johnson Murphy (Uncle John and Aunt Katie).

Best wishes to the newly weds! Family members can send their love and best wishes for them to Aunt Katie at sisterkate1927(at)aol(dot)com.

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Back in September 2010, we reported to you about cousin Harley Grandin’s academic career beginning at UC Davis. We’ve just received (4 March 2011) this latest from his father Michael Grandin. ... from the Chancellor’s office, “The University of California, Davis, honors Harley Grandin for outstanding first semester academic achievements and conveys the title ‘First Year Scholar’ in recognition and in encouragement of future accomplishments.”...
...
UPDATE 14 March 2011! Speculation about Harley’s bright future at UC Davis was correct. The honors for him just keep rolling in! Just in from his father Michael that he also made the Biological Sciences Deans List at UC Davis!

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We are pleased to announce the birth of Spencer Payne Johnson to Derek Thomas and Leigh Douglas Johnson Johnson on 9 February 2011 at 12:02 p.m.. Little Spencer weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mother Leigh is the daughter of Douglas (“Doug”) and Julie Kathryn (“Kathy”) Owens Johnson and granddaughter of Seth, Jr. and Kathleen VanHoose Johnson (Uncle Seth and Aunt Kathleen). Spencer was welcomed into the family by his older siblings Julie Anne, Seth, Douglas and Sarah Kathryn.

Congratulations, Leigh and Derek, on the birth of your new baby boy! Family members can send love and congratulations to Leigh and Derek to
Mr. and Mrs. Derek Johnson
2555 Redland Rd.
Wetumpka, AL 36093

or send email to derekandleigh(at)elmore(dot)rr(dot)com Read More...

We are sorry to report the passing of a cherished Johnson cousin, Max Lee Miller, aged 86, of Red Oak, Iowa on 22 February 2011. He dearly loved his family and, as written in his obituary, “Max cherished the times he spent with his Johnson cousins.” Max is a great grandson of Philip Paddleford Johnson and a grandson of Hazzard Larkin Johnson (Uncle Haddy). Our Uncle Wylie Pierson Johnson (Max’s first cousin, once removed) said, “I think Max was at all the Johnson Cousin Iowa Reunions that I have attended over the past 42 years.”

Below is the obituary as published on the website of the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak. We send our deepest love and sympathy to Max’s family in Iowa.

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On 12 February 2011, the Albritton family honored Walter and Caroline Johnson Albritton (Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline) at a fun-filled reunion and celebration of family in Wetumpka, AL. Daughter Margie Albritton Flomer was kind enough to share all of her photos posted at “dotphoto.com” Click here to see all the fun and festivities! [Note: if you are on Facebook, ask to “friend” Margie Helen Berkstresser Johnson. She has even more wonderful photos of the reunion!] The family plans on making this a yearly event with a gathering on or about 9 February, Uncle Walter and Aunt Caroline’s wedding anniversary date. They married 9 February 1927 in Tampa, FL making this year their 84th anniversary!

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On Saturday, 5 February 2011, Emerson Irene (“Emmy”) Beck was christened in Houston, TX. Emmy is the daughter of David Wilson and Karrera Irene Starr (“Kari”) Beck, granddaughter of Sharon Frances Johnson “Sha” Starr and great-granddaughter of Luke and Shirley Roach Johnson (Uncle Luke and Aunt Shirley). Emmy was born 31 August 2010 in Houston. See her birth announcement and photos. In the photo here at the christening, “Granny” (Sha) holds Emmy while mother Kari looks on at left.

What a happy day for the family of Luke Johnson! Family members can send their love and blessings to Kari and David at kistarr(at)hotmail(dot)com or grandmother Sha at sstarr49(at)aol(dot)com.

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Norie and Gardner (“Pen”) Baldwin had a whirlwind 2010 as they sailed to far ports and enjoyed many other travel adventures! Most importantly, they made these opportunities to come together as family, and, in that quality time, made memories that will last a lifetime. As Norie wrote, “...we tried to think of things we could do to rejoice and reunite with our children and grandchildren. The logistics were challenging as our grands range from 16 years to 16 months and live in 3 different states.” They did a wonderful job of it! Norie sent a lovely 2010 Christmas card that showed in collaged photos the many fun adventures that she and Pen had shared with family this past year. It was obvious that the family enjoyed exciting, happy times together, but who was who and what was what? Where had they gone on these “excellent adventures?” Norie answered these questions in a follow-up newsletter in the New Year of 2011. That letter is reprinted here along with the wonderful Christmas card photos.

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