THE PONDS / PICTOU – Jessie Laura Johnson, 83, of the Ponds, formerly of Pictou, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2011 in the Palliative Care Unit of Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Sunnybrae, she was a daughter of the late John I. and Rose (Williams) Macdonald.
Jessie graduated from Stellarton High in 1946 and Normal College in Truro in 1947. She taught school in River John, Dartmouth, and Pictou, where she taught most of her career at Pictou Academy. After retirement in 1985, she began her new career of lay ministry. She preached throughout the county and was known by many. Jessie was very involved in her church, serving on the Ladies Association, the AMS, and was the first woman at St. Andrew’s to be ordained as an elder. In 1996, Jessie had the honor of being the first non-ordained person to be installed as Moderator of Pictou Presbytery. She enjoyed gardening and shared her harvest with her neighbors. After losing her husband, George, at a young age, she dedicated her life to her children. Jessie was always at the rink, or the ball field, or driving back and forth to piano lessons. Her strength and faith have been an example to those who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Rev. Gail Johnson-Murdock (Kevin), grandchildren Kaycee and David, who were her pride and joy; brothers, Robert (Joan) Macdonald of Hopewell, Earle (Gretchen) Macdonald of Dartmouth; sisters-in-law, Muriel Macdonald of Sunnybrae, Lillian MacKenzie, Jennie Barnard, both of Pictou, Annie (Jim) Scott of New Glasgow; brother-in-law, Earl (Chris) Johnson, River John; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, George Johnson; son, David; brother, Jock MacDonald; sister, Madeline Russell.
The family will receive visitors at McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Pictou, with Rev. Steve Webb officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be in Seaview Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Church, Pictou, The Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, or a charity of choice.