Elaine Johnson

UTICA - Elaine Johnson, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 24, 2017. When God called her home, she was in the hearts of those she loved the most. Born in Clayton, Alabama on September 21, 1960, Elaine was the daughter of Nettie (Herron) Johnson and the late Albert Johnson. She also knew the love of her mother’s husband, the late Deacon George Richardson who she called Pop. Elaine received her elementary education in Boston, Massachusetts and moved with her family to Utica where she graduated from Utica Free Academy/Class of 1978. She then attended MVCC and received an Associate Degree in Accounting. She joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Africa where she met the challenge of assisting the people in refining and expanding their agricultural needs. Elaine subsequently enrolled in internet studies and in 2005 she began her career with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision at Marcy Correctional Facility in the capacity of Supervisor of Volunteer Tutors. In 2012 she transferred to Camp Monterey where she held the title of Network Program Administrator. In 2014 she worked as an Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator at Hudson Correctional Facility. Because family was so important to her, Elaine began working closer to home in 2016 continuing her career as an Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator at the Auburn Correctional Facility. It was there that she was known as the “go-to girl”, always on the job and going the extra mile for inmates and staff. Her congeniality was appreciated and her smile spoke of her kindness. Her medical issues presented themselves while at her work place, while she was doing what was so important to her. Elaine’s mom taught her to philosophically embrace the virtues of a strong work ethic, an independent will, and moral Christian values. She was born into the church and valued her church family. She was a true believer and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She held herself to higher standards, and now she has received her reward… Amen. Elaine was a lovely daughter, always respectful to her mom. She had a great sense of generosity and was a beautiful soul. You never heard a negative word about her. Her brother and nephew AJ were very important people in her life, and the admiration was mutual. She was a loyal friend to many, but she was blessed with her best friend April Hance, with whom she shared many fun-loving times together through the years. Elaine was gifted in so many ways, and the Lord was her inspiration and her heart. She knew how to laugh but she knew how to listen and was graced as a mentor. She was thoughtful, especially around the holidays, entertaining and sharing meals with those she loved. She collected stuffed animals and recently enjoyed painting creating a variety of different styles. She was an avid reader and author and also listened to books on tape. She was a fan of Star Trek, and a true Trekkie. She was a member of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association. Elaine was a member of Redeemer Church and she loved her pastors and the congregation. She was involved in the sound system of the music ministry, and volunteered with the youth program where the kids adored her. You could also hear them refer to her by saying, Hey Miss Elaine. Elaine is survived by her mother, Nettie; her brothers and sisters-in-law Edward and Lisa Johnson, Francis and Joy Lacomb, Reverend Eady and Gretchen; her uncle and aunt, Robert and Cleo Herron; her nieces and nephews especially Anthony Johnson with whom she shared a home; her god-sister, Ethel Jackson; her cousins; and her long-time friends, Fran Lacomb, Leo Lacomb, and John Handzel. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Marvin and Tannie Herron. The family extends their thanks to Elaine’s co-workers and the Emergency Room staff at Auburn Community Hospital; they were by her side and supported her with kindness and compassion. Thanks also to her church family for their love and support through the years and especially now in their time of need. Visitation will be held on Monday from 11-1 at Redeemer Church, 931 Herkimer Road, Utica. Elaine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 1:00 immediately upon the conclusion of visitation at church with Pastor Michael Servello, Jr. officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Elaine Johnson

September 21, 1960 - April 24, 2017