Bernice A. Johnson

Bernice A. Johnson, age 99, of Battle Creek died peacefully on Thursday evening, June 5, 2014 at the Amber Estates Adult Foster Care Home. She was born in Onsted, Michigan on November 29, 1914, the loving daughter of Raymond E. and Lillian O. (DeLong) Blowers. She came to Battle Creek to attend Argubright Business College, graduating in 1933.

Bernice worked at Central Electric, Heyser Electric and B.C. Electric Companies as a bookkeeper and secretary. After several years she was employed by Dr. L.D. Funk of Athens and then by Bill Knapp's Corporate Offices in the Payroll Department, retiring in 1978 after more than 16 years of faithful service.

Bernice married the "Love of Her Life", Harold M. Johnson in Brooklyn, Michigan on June 19, 1937. They enjoyed more than 66 wonderful years together until he sadly preceded her in death on January 31, 2004. She is survived by her son, Harold M. (Marilyn) Johnson, Jr. of Dorr, Michigan; her daughter, Anne (Paul) Gould of Battle Creek; her daughter-in-law, Anita Johnson of Hudsonville; a sister, Beth L. Wraight of North Carolina, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernice was also preceded in death by her brother, Rev. Stanley Blowers.

Bernice was active in Sonoma Church, then West Leroy Bible Church and for the past 38 years at First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek where she was a teacher in the Children's Ministry most of her adult life. She enjoyed gardening, needle work, crafts, and helping her husband train Haflinger Ponies.

The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday, June 9, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral service to celebrate Bernice's life will be held at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Robert L. Zuhl of First Wesleyan Church, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Lifespan Hospice or the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter. Interment will follow at Morgan Cemetery. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.