Phyllis Bernice Johnson, age 96, of Burlington, passed away June 28, 2019. She was born December 27, 1922 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to Peter and Bertha (Olson) Nelson.
In 1941, Phyllis married John Luther Lars Nelson and were married until his passing in 1954. They had three daughters, Beverly, Valeria and Audrey. In 1957, Phyllis remarried Clifford Monroe Johnson. They were married 38 years until his death in 1995.
Phyllis was a very dedicated employee and spent 30 years working in the food cannery industry. She loved to participate in church activities and enjoyed spending time with other ladies of the congregation. Phyllis loved animals, particularly cats. Stray cats would find her and she would rescue them from danger, nurture them back to health and bring them into her life. One of Phyllis’s favorite pastimes was to spend hours reading a good biography. Phyllis was very active and independent even up into her 90’s. She was always on the go and loved a new adventure.
Phyllis was loved by everyone that knew her. She was a loving mother, grandmother and a friend to many.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Beverly (Nelson) Western, and Audrey (Nelson) Howell; her son in law, Ronald Smith; her grandchildren, Lisa Latta, Lovellia (Latta) Tomlin, Ignacio Bermudez, Alexander Smith, Erik Howell, and Stephanie Smith; her great grandchildren, Kyler Ries and Ashleigh Ries.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Bertha (Olson) Nelson; her husbands, John Luther Lars Nelson and Clifford Monroe Johnson; her daughter, Valeria Smith.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, July 15, 2019 at the Burlington Lutheran Church, 134 East Victoria Ave., Burlington, with Pastor Bethany Hull Somers presiding. A time of visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley from 9:00 to 5:00, Friday, July 12th and an hour before the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA 98233.
It was a pleasure to get to know her. The world has lost a sweet lady, indeed.
I have very fond memories of my many visits with Phyllis. Always welcoming me into her home, kind, friendly, quick to laugh and smile. I loved her sharp witted sense of humor! I know she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandson, Erik as he looked after her and cared for her over so many years.
My kindest thoughts and sympathies to you, Erik, and admiration for your selfless and dedicated labor of love.
Phyllis was a wonderful lady full of love and devotion towards family and friends. I, being her son-in-law had known Phyllis for 6 decades. It was a privilege to have known her and be married to her daughter Valeria.
Ron Smith
Phyllis was everyone’s grandma . She was a very sweet and caring person. I enjoyed my visits with her and Erik. I will miss her tons. Rest in Peace …..
I was so fortunate to have known Phyllis…such a sweet, intelligent neighbor. She was always so kind and nice to everyone. She and Clifford moved to Orange Ave., and became favorites to many! When my family and I visited from Ca., we loved to visit with them, and Erik! Audrey was often at their house, and I even met her daughter Valeria. Erik was a close friend to my mother and me, and we became closer to Phyllis as well. To know Phyllis was to know a talented and beautiful lady! Always eager to help anyone in need, and always positive. I never heard her say an unkind to and about anyone. May we all honor her with this quality. Loving her always.
She was a wonderful grandma and may she rest in peace…I will miss you…