Georgia Francis Styron Johnson, of Virginia Beach, died Oct. 9, 2015, at the age of 88.
She was the feisty daughter of a North Carolina school teacher (Margaret Sparrow) and an outer banks merchant marine chief engineer (Roland Styron).
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest L. Johnson Jr. (Ernie); and sisters, Barbara (Babs), Lydia (Toupie) and Bettie.
A proud Ocean View girl, she met Ernie at Granby High School. They married in September 1944 at his parents’ house. Following his VF-8 deployment, Georgia graduated from Granby High School, class of 1945.
Georgia was a proud Navy wife, University of Maryland and University of Florida fan, swimmer, gardener, school volunteer, den mother and coordinator for the neighborhood Mother’s March of Dimes. Following her synchronized swimming with the Aquamarinas, she took up golf in her 30s. She was a longtime member of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, the Cavalier Yacht and Golf Club and the Birdneck Garden Club. At one time, Georgia served as the vice president of the Virginia Federation of Garden and president of her local garden clubs.
Besides her family and friends, she was most proud of her hole-in-one at the Cavalier’s 18th hole. Some of her fondest later memories were golfing with the “Stumpy Lake girls” and serving as a tournament marshal for the LPGA in Williamsburg.
Georgia and Ernie spent their later years traveling and playing golf. She loved attending VF-8 reunions across the country and their trips to Hawaii and Great Britain. Both enjoyed joining special church friends for Monday night dinners.
Georgia was always a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, taking an active care giving role.
She is survived by her sons, Ernest L. “Skip” Johnson III (Lauralee M. Grim) and William R. “Bill” Johnson (Dr. Margaret D. Johnson); grandchildren, David Styron Johnson (Katie W. Johnson), Crispin Cole Johnson (Angela S. Johnson) and Ashley J. Bronco (Jeffrey Bronco); and great-grandchildren, Camron Cole Johnson, Maverick Ayden Johnson, Willian Ernest Johnson, Summer Faith Bronco, October-Sky Scarlett Bronco and Phoenix-Aurora Esme’ Bronco.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, the American Heart Association or an organization of your choice.
Please leave online condolences for the family at H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments.
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