Thelma Marie Johnson, 82, a lifetime resident of Rockport, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024 at home with her family by her side.
She was born in a cabin in Rockport, one of four children of Arvel and Blanch (Welch) Cress. She attended grade school in Rockport and high school in Concrete.
Thelma’s passion was working outside in her flower gardens, rain or sunshine, with a shovel in her hand. She was so frequently working in her yard, folks camping at the park and local friends would stop to admire her yard and chat with her. Thelma enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and spinning wool to create her own yarn.
She was a hard worker and a lifelong learner. No job was too big for her, completing a beautiful rock wall and two cement fishponds in her yard throughout the years. She was driven to know how things work. Curious by nature, she was always up to the task of taking something apart in order to fix it.
Her greatest passion was spending time with family, never passing up an opportunity to gather for food and laughter. Her grand and great grandchildren were her greatest joy.
Thelma was united in marriage to Warnie Johnson in Rockport in October of 1960 and made it their home for 50 years, before Warnie’s passing in 2011.
Thelma is survived by her daughters, Tonya Brumley and her husband Dan of Mount Vernon, Korrena Gross and her husband Tim of Mount Vernon, and Paula Torgeson and her husband Todd of Sedro-Woolley; brother, Rick Cress of Burlington; eight grandchildren, Marie, Katrina, Kelsey, Kara, Kaelin, Terrel, Taylor and Emma; seventeen, great grandchildren, Lucas, Miah, Bailey, Christopher, Michael, Sophia, Wyatt, Austin, Rylee, Logan, Nathan, Natalie, Roman, Ava, Archer, Olivia, and Carson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Warnie; her parents; two brothers, Harvey and Ervin.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Interment will follow at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery after which a fellowship will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center. Share your memories of Thelma and sign the online guest register.
Our deepest sympathy. Prayer and thoughts are with you as you begin to heal over your loss of your mama. Growing up in Rockport was like one big family! When someone passes we all feel the pain. Thelma was a talented lady with many good qualities. She will be missed! There isn’t many of us old timers left in Rockport. Take good care of yourselves!
Kelly, Kevin and Darrold Jarmin
My deepest condolences to all. Thelma was such a lovely lady always with a smile when I’d bump into her from time to time. Sending hugs & prayers to all.
So many memories being one of your grandkids. I love seeing the old photos of the cabin and the massive tree that stood there. I’ll keep them close to my heart. Love you and miss you. Ps. I’m starting a sourdough starter to make my own bread ♥️
So sorry for you loss. She was a sweet woman. I have many memories of her smiling from the bleachers at any High School sporting event.
Sorry to hear of the passing of this sweet lady.. my heart goes out to the family