Bertha Johnson

Lafayette, CO, Bertha Cleo "Geri" Williams Johnson, 85, passed away on April 19, 2009 in Boulder, CO after a brief illness. Geri was born in Enka, NC on April 11, 1924 to the late George and Flora Deaver Williams. Geri lived through many of the greatest changes in the recent history of humanity. After moving to Richmond, VA in her late teen years, Geri become a professional photographer, which was her life-long vocation. A winner of several North Carolina Press Association awards, Geri was the photographer for the Waynesville Mountaineer newspaper for over 20 years and retired from there in 1988. At the time of her death, Geri was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville. A life-long Christian she helped to shape the lives and faith of others. Geri is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lamar Layden Johnson of Boulder, CO, sons David (Margaret) and Gordon Johnson of Charlotte, NC, daughter Donna (Joseph DeLellis) of Lafayette, CO, brother Earl Williams (Ernestine) of Candler NC, sister Joyce Williams (Ray Brumbaugh) of Lady Lake, Florida) and five grandchildren (Andrew Johnson, Daniel DeLellis, Dylan Johnson, Greg DeLellis, and Madelyn Johnson). Funeral services will be held for Geri at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2009 in the chapel of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville, NC, and gravesite services will be held at Bethel Cemetery. The Reverend Dr. Robert Prince will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday night, April 24, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC.

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