Thelma Dunning Johnson

Thelma Dunning Johnson, 94, died Thursday, November 21, 2013, in her home following a lengthy illness. She was born December 19, 1918, in Louise, West Virginia, the daughter of Herbert Arthur Dunning and Mary Elizabeth “Mae” Jones Dunning. Thelma was a graduate of Trinity High School and Washington Seminary as a business major. She was a homemaker and was the wage-tax collector for North Franklin Township in the 60’s. She was a charter member of the Church of the Covenant, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Washington Chapter #409 for over 50 years, and a member of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Bethesda Shrine # 25. Accompanying her husband on many Masonic related trips, she enjoyed the lasting friendships that resulted. She was a loving daughter, who helped to take care of her mother and grandmother in their later years. She was a devoted wife and mother and dearly loved by her husband and family. Thelma made the holidays special and maintained family traditions with her apple and butterscotch pies, cookies and other delicious family recipes made from scratch. She enjoyed gathering the family together for Sunday home-cooked meals. On August 17, 1940, she married A. Kendall Johnson who died October 3, 2011. Surviving are a son, Keith D. Johnson of Washington; two daughters, Marsha L. (Lt. Colonel Retired Samuel) Work of Stafford, VA, and Cynthia L. Johnson of Washington, PA. Deceased is a sister Frances Dunning Zelt. Friends will be received Tuesday, November 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, November 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the time of service at William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington, with Rev. Dr. Stuart Broberg officiating. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery. An Eastern Star Service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26th at 7pm in the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to the Church of the Covenant, 267 E. Beau St., Washington, PA 15301, or Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Memorial Donations, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.