Effie Johnson, 79, of Llano died June 7, 2016
Effie “Gail” Johnson, 79, of Llano, Texas, died June 7, 2016, from injuries sustained in a bicycling accident while vacationing with friends on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Gail was born Feb. 10, 1937, in Llano to Thomas and Jewel Gregory.
She graduated from Llano High School and Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos, where she met and married Don Ross “Dugan” Johnson in 1955. After graduating from college, they lived and raised their family in Mason, Plainview, Hereford, Alpine and Uvalde before returning to Llano in 2003.
Gail taught elementary school and went on to earn a master’s degree in education. She was proud to have followed her mother’s footsteps as a teacher and to have a daughter and granddaughters who followed in hers.
Gail was well-known for her ever-present smile, quick laugh and enthusiasm for life. If someone asked, “Gail, do you want to … ?”, her answer was always, “Yes!”
She was an active member of Lutie Watkins United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in mission and volunteer activities, and her many friends. She was a Master Gardener, an active bridge player and community volunteer. Her favorite activity was travel, and she experienced many parts of the world with her sister, cousins, children and friends.
Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Don Johnson; son Tom Johnson; and granddaughter Shawna Johnson.
She leaves behind her sister, Frankie Jean O’Rorke; daughter, Eva Doran; son Donny Johnson and wife Teri; six grandchildren Shannon Lindsey and husband Chris, Shea Johnson, Skye Crane and husband Kyle, Kailee McCall and husband Travis, Andy Doran and Darby Doran; two great-grandchildren and one on the way; beloved nephews and nieces; and her many friends.
A celebration of Gail’s life is noon-4 p.m. June 12 at Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church followed by a brief graveside service at Oxford Cemetery. Visitation begins before the service at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. All who knew and loved Gail are welcome to join.
Charitable donations in Gail’s honor may be made to the Llano County Master Gardeners, the Llano Women’s Culture Club Scholarship Fund or Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church Costa Rica Missions Program.
Pallbearers are Shea Johnson, Travis McCall, Kyle Crane, Billy Charles Johnson, Billy Karl Johnson, Berry Johnson, Jackie Don Johnson and Larry Johnson
Arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300. Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.