Evelyn J. Johnson of Fort White Florida, age 79, passed away February 19, 2021 in Lake City, Florida. No formal services will be held. The family will honor her privately in their own celebration of her life.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations in her name to the Gary Sinise Foundation. This foundation honors America’s defenders; first responders, veterans and their families. Evelyn was many things, and proud patriot was one of them she held most dear. See GarySiniseFoundation.org.
Evelyn was born to William K. Johnson and Myrtle E. Johnson in Jacksonville, Florida. They relocated to Orlando, where she graduated from Boone High School in 1959. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Gregg Writers. She worked at Orlando City Hall, Florida Technological University (now UCF) and Martin Marietta. From there, she began as the receptionist at a small firm with 30 employees, the Educational Computer Corporation. In her 27 years there, ECC grew to an international corporation and Evelyn rose to Director of Human Resources. She attained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida Southern before retiring in 2002. Evelyn was a self-made woman and a force of nature. Her motivation never faltered, nor did her love of her family.
Upon retirement, she relocated to north central Florida, where she had spent much of her youth with her cousins and family. She loved these rivers and springs and enjoyed many wonderful days with her children and grandchildren here. Evelyn was a skilled seamstress and her wild sense of humor always showed up in her projects. A born organizer – she became treasurer of the local property association TREPO and served for 10 years. She also helped start a local social club called the Busy Bees. She loved to read and took special joy in trading books with her daughter Shelda. Her colorful yard was a beautiful reflection of her love of gardening. Her special fascination with Elvis was well known, she loved him and his music. She even had a room in her home decorated with his memorabilia.
To us, she will remain as constant as the current in the Ichetucknee.
She is survived by her children, son, Doug Stanley of Clermont and daughter, Shelda Stanley Wilkerson of Fort White; granddaughter, Ashley Posey; grandsons, Austin Stanley and Kyle Stanley also of Clermont; great granddaughter, Rilynn Posey, and boyfriend, John Bryant of Branford Florida.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and kindness during this most difficult time. The kids are alright – fly high Mama, we’ll see you in the sweet by and by.
