Obituary of Lucille Johnson

Lucille Johnson, 85, passed away on November 28th, 2009 at her home in the Johnson Branch Community of Bryson City. She was preceded in death by her parents Pat and Hessie Ball Hyde, her sister Edna Hyde Chambers and brother Clyde Hyde. She is survived by her husband of 63 years Alonzo Johnson, and her brothers Dale Hyde of Canton, Ohio, Rev. Elmer Hyde of Hampton, Virginia, Johnny Hyde of Bryson City, and 18 nieces and nephews. Lucille and her husband Alonzo lived in Glouster Point, Virginia for 25 years. During this time, Lucille owned and operated a beauty salon. In her spare time, she along with her husband Alonzo volunteered for the Abingdon Ambulance Service and became Emergency Medical Technicians. Lucille went on to obtain her instructor's certification and provided EMT training for 8 years. Also, she and her husband were member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. She enjoyed surf fishing and boating. Her summer vacations often brought her back to Bryson City where she assisted her mother Hessie Hyde and her sister Edna Hyde Chambers with home and garden projects. She was a mentor and advisor to her nieces and nephews and many cousins giving generously of her time and knowledge. In 1977, Lucille sold her beauty salon and with her husband Alonzo's retirement, they moved back to Bryson City and built a home in the Johnson Branch Community. She was a long standing member of Victory Baptist Church in Bryson City. Lucille volunteered with the Swain County Women's Auxiliary at Swain County Hospital and assisted in the X-ray Department for many years. She was a charter member of the Swain County Democratic Women's Club and served as Club President for several terms. Also, she volunteered with the Swain County Advisory Council for the NC Cooperative Extension Agency. She was President of the local Gourmet Cooking Club for 3 years. Funeral Services will be held at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City on December 1st, 2009 at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Tom Harris, Rev. Elmer Hyde, and Rev. Charles Ray Ball will officiate. Honored in attendance as pallbearers will be: Nephew, Jimmy Hyde, Great-nephews Jamie Queen and Justin Breedlove, great-nephew-in-law Jason Cates, great-great nephew Michael Teaster, and cousin Jeff Cochran. The family will receive friends from 1until 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. At other times, the family will accept visitors at the residence at 76 Haywood Drive in Bryson City. Many who knew Lucille, knew her love of flowers. However, for those who desire contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to: West Care Hospice, 68 Hospital Road, Sylva, NC 28779. 828-586-7410