Gladys Edwards Johnson

Cladys Edwards Johnson, born on May 11, 1932 in Isle of Wight County to the late Clarence and Emily Davis Edwards, entered eternal rest on Thursday March 10, 2022 at Commonwealth Senior Living, Hampton, VA. Gladys was the widow of Eddie (Boy) Johnson and was also preceded in death by her son, Andrew (Peewee) Johnson; her beloved daughter-in-law, Lisa Johnson; six brothers: Rufus, Clarence, David, William, George, and Bobby Edwards; two sisters: Jane (Bea) Young and Maggie Edwards; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Edwards. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, 2 sons: Ricky Johnson of Smithfield, VA, and Barry (Joan) Johnson of Newport News, VA; 8 grandsons: Ricky and Antonio (Renita) of Hampton, VA, Lee and Rodrick of Smithfield, VA, Brendan, LaSalle, Anthony, and Charles of CA; 3 granddaughters: Ridrika of Hampton, VA, and Claudia and Shanice of CA; 16 great grandchildren; 2 brothers: James and Shirley (Bea) Edwards of Smithfield, VA; 5 sisters: Irene (Larry) Webb of Pendleton, SC, Viola Carroll of Richmond, VA, Marion (Theron) Blount, and Sylvia and Sarah (Jean) Edwards of Smithfield, VA; Sisters-in-law: Joyce Edwards of Windsor, VA; Eloise Edwards of Northern VA; Rosette Clinton, Thelma Shivers, and Reverend Marion Jean Johnson of Smithfield, VA; Brother-in-law: Howard Young, Ashland, VA and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends. Extending her already large family, Gladys joined Union Bethel AME Church at an early age age and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She loved her church family and faithfully served in various ministries throughout the years until her health failed. Over the years, she has served as a member of the choir, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Usher Board, the Hospitality Committee, The Trustee Board, and was the Mother of the Church. Gladys was also a member of Dorcas Tent No. 151. Gladys graduated from Isle of Wight Training School and attended one and a half years at at Norfolk State University. She postponed her education and became a wife and later a mother. She worked at Smithfield Packing Company for 18 years resigning to work at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in 1974 where she worked until retiring in 1995 after 21 years of service. Gladys was a free hearted woman willing to help anyone when needed, not only with financial help but she gave of herself. After retirement, she became one of her mothers' most devoted caregivers until her mother went home to be with the Lord in January 2008. She was an inspiration to all of her sisters and brothers and a pillar of hope for us all. Gladys loved her family deeply, especially her three sons: Peewee, Ricky, and Barry. She stepped in to help Ricky raise Lee after his mother, Lisa, was called home to be with the Lord. Although she never had any daughters, she had many surrogates whom she called her own: her granddaughters, great granddaughters, nieces and many more. She was the legend and star of the family. The family events and affairs were not the same without her. She was the life of the party! When she arrived, the fun began because her jokes and antics were off the chart and infectious. All the children and adults loved being in her company. She vas like Superman, faster than a speeding bullet at everything she did, especially driving. Her driving earned her the nickname "Rudy Gal" by her brother Bobby because he said she was just like the cartoon —character Rudy the Road Hog. We will miss you dear Gladys but, we know you are in the loving hands of God. We loved you but God loves you more! A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 am on Saturday March 19, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel By invitation ONLY. Family viewing will be held Friday, March 18, 2022 at 3:30 pm at the Chapel with public viewing from 4-6 pm and 9am until the time of Service on Saturday, March 19, 2022. For more information, please visit www.shiversfuneralchapel.com. Please keep the Edwards-Johnson family in your prayers. View Memorial Video