REBECCA GRANT JOHNSON

GARLAND – Rebecca Grant Johnson, 89, died Dec. 25, 2008, at her home, with loving family and friends nearby. She was born Nov. 7, 1919, in Foxcroft, the daughter of Aylmer and Ethel (Silver) Grant. She attended Silvers Mills and Sangerville schools, graduating from Sangerville High School as top student of her class in 1937. She was an active member, leader and teacher of Garland 4-H clubs, South Sangerville Extension, Garland PTA, South Sangerville and Garland granges, Garland Historical Society, Garland American Legion Auxiliary, Garland Community Baptist Church, the Sisters of Ruth and Mayo Regional Heartwise. She worked in local woolen mills and nursing homes, but will be best remembered as “Becky,” the caring cook at Garland School. Rebecca loved sharing her time and talents, garden and berry patch produce, baked goods and treats with others. She enjoyed camping and reading, and especially the history and genealogy of her family and community. She was always willing to share her boundless collections of old photographs and stories with people near and far, maintaining a lively correspondence throughout her life. She married Charles “Frank” Johnson in 1946 and shared more than 50 happy years of marriage with him. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband; one sister, Louise Latham; two brothers, Clarence Grant and Doran Grant; and two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Grant and Laura Grant. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Sherri Johnson of Exeter; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Peter Devine of Garland, and Barbara and Gregory Crispell of Garland; six grandchildren, Andrew King, Amanda Valli, Eli Crispell, Rachel Hayden, Tim Lamoreau and Tasha Johnson; as well as five great-grandchildren; cherished nieces and nephews, and many dear and faithful friends. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at Garland Community Baptist Church with the Rev. Barry Buzzell officiating. Graveside services will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Garland Community Baptist Church, care of Jean Rollins, P.O. Box 76, Garland, ME 04939. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Dexter. For an online guest book, please go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.