Mary Elizabeth Johnson

Mary “Skip” Elizabeth Johnson, passed away peacefully from natural causes at the age of 90 on January 12, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida.

Skip was born on December 16, 1934, in Harrisburg, PA. She was the beloved daughter and only child of the late Lester and Dorothy Garnes.

Skip received her nickname early in life, as she was frequently observed “skipping” when she should have been walking or running. Also, early in life Skip developed an affection for dogs, and after acquiring her first one, would never be without one.

Skip was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Charles C. Johnson, U.S. Army LTC (Ret). She is survived by two sons, Charles C. (Chazz) and his wife Amy and Jeffrey S. and his wife Gena; four granddaughters, Khayla and her wife Jessica, Kelley, Kryssa and Alexa and her husband Justin; two grandsons, Justin and Garrett; two great-grand sons Rhett and Landon; brother-in-law Valse Johnson and his wife Lynn.

Following her husband’s successful 24-year Army career, Skip and Charles (Chuck) settled down in Lakeland to raise and breed show dogs including Great Danes, and English and French Bulldogs.

She was a member of the Reformation Lutheran Church in Lakeland. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she was an avid reader, enjoyed supporting area dog clubs, and was a lifetime supporter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Funeral visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with services at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Ave., Lakeland. Burial will follow at the Florida National Military Cemetery at Bushnell FL, starting at 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com.