Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy Maxwell Johnson

Sunrise: February 29, 1916

Sunset: December 23, 2013



Dorothy Maxwell Johnson journeyed home on December 23, 2013. Her life – a rich one of 97 years – was full of God’s blessings.



She was born on February 29, 1916, in Philadelphia to the late Nathaniel and Lillian (Brown) Maxwell, one of four children from their union. Dorothy married the late Lloyd James Johnson in May of 1936. Their marriage ended in divorce.



Dorothy was a pioneer, as she demonstrated her Christian leadership by becoming the first female inducted into the vestry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Her key joys in life were those as a mother, gardener, cook and seamstress – talents that served a variety of charitable efforts and provided for her family. She was a co-leader and a founding member of the St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen. Dorothy also inspired a city beautification project in her neighborhood, “The Garden” on Arch Street, which transformed a deserted lot into a showplace and horticultural respite.



Dorothy retired from the School District of Pennsylvania where she was known for her culinary expertise in the preparation of nutritional and tasty school lunches for more than twenty years. She is survived by her daughter Dorothy (John Jones) of Breinigsville and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews who will miss her as a model of assertiveness and fierce independence.



She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Anthony; sisters, Carrie, Gladys, and Ernestine; son, Lloyd; and daughters, Maxine and Arlene.



Interment and services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Cancer Society in memory of Dorothy Maxwell Johnson.

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