Judith Claire Johnson

Judith Neas Johnson passed away at home in Prattville, Alabama on Monday, September 22, 2014. Judy is survived by her husband, Oscar Thomas (Tommy) Johnson, Jr., daughters Jamie Johnson Witter of Birmingham, Alabama and Jennifer Carmen Rosenzweig of Tallahassee, Florida, and sister, Diane Neas Whitson of Erwin, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by daughter, Lucinda Maria Johnson and brother John Martin Neas of Knoxville, Tennessee. Tommy, her high school sweet heart and husband of 53 years, was by her side as he had been for over 55 years. Born in Newport, Tennessee on June 12, 1943, Judy jumped into life with both feet, moving to Germany in 1961 as a newlywed. The life of an Air Force wife and mother of three daughters was a time of hard work and adventure. The family was stationed in several overseas posts including Japan, Germany, and Greece and also lived in California, New York, Nebraska, and Colorado. A great collection of life-long friends was gathered during this early phase of her life. Military retirement brought the family to Maryland where Judy enjoyed working on her golf game, and the family celebrated the marriages of all three daughters and the birth of her first grandchild. Her sons-in-law were a great source of joy to her and kept her laughing (Jeffrey Witter of Birmingham, Alan Rosenzweig of Tallahassee, and Charles (Corky) Walinski of West Palm Beach). While based in Maryland, Tommy and Judy embarked on two assignments that brought more adventure and opportunity. The year spent at the Air War College in Montgomery helped them find their ultimate retirement spot, while two years in Cheltenham, England refreshed their love of travel and culture. Settling into full retirement life in Prattville meant enjoying golf with the ladies and Tommy, visits with family and friends both locally and in east Tennessee, and time for bridge. Judy was a Silver Life Master of duplicate bridge and was devoted to the Montgomery Bridge Club where she served a term as President and was active on several committees. While she enjoyed local games, competition drove her and she loved traveling to tournaments. Judy and Tommy competed in tournaments in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Nashville, but her favorites were in Tunica, Biloxi, and Gatlinburg where she looked forward to going each year. Judy leaves behind four talented and beautiful grandchildren: Mitchell Dean Witter and Ellen Christina (Ellie) Witter of Birmingham and Eva Kelsey Rosenzweig and Maxwell Ellis Rosenzweig of Tallahassee. There will be a celebration of Judy’s life at her home in Prattville, Friday, September 26 at 4:00 p.m. with visitation afterward. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Montgomery Bridge Club Building Fund, 704 Park Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36106.

Judith Claire Johnson

June 12, 1943 - September 22, 2014