Gwendolyn (Williams) Johnson

Gwendolyn Johnson Obituary In Lieu of Flowers Gifts may be made to the West Virginia State University Foundation at PO Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112 or https://connect.wvstateu.edu/donate. Please specify on the memo line of the check or the comment section of the online giving form that the gift is in memory of Gwendolyn Johnson Gwendolyn Williams Johnson was born on September 29, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio from the union of Claudia Mae Frances Hilliard and James Williams. She was the elder of two children; preceding her younger brother, James Bernard Williams, Jr. (deceased, 2012). Gwen attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1946. In 1949, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from West Virginia State University. During her collegiate years, she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Chapter. Having been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha for over 75 years (Diamond Soror), Gwen cherished the bonds of sisterhood, embodying the belief: “Not all Great Women are AKAs, but all AKAs are Great Women.” In 1951, Gwen married her college sweetheart Ronald Travis Johnson (deceased, 2009), who was from East Chicago, Indiana. Together, they built a life filled with love, resilience, and teamwork, and raised three children: Eric (deceased, 2021), Ronna, and Joni. Gwen’s devotion as a wife, mother, and life partner was the foundation of her family’s success. As a lifelong member of Shiloh Baptist Church, Gwen served faithfully in numerous roles, including as a member of the Junior and Senior Usher Boards, a Sunday School teacher, a charter member of the Educational Board, and a teller in the Shiloh Credit Union. Her dedication extended beyond her church community through her work with the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund, and as Treasurer of the West Virginia State University Alumni Association for over twenty-four years. Gwen was truly a leader in her community. But her hard work, dedication, and determination extended beyond her service efforts and illuminated throughout her professional career. In all aspects of her life, she was a hard worker with very high standards and expectations. Gwen’s professional journey began as a Procurement Supervisor for the U.S. Coast Guard, where she worked for eleven years. Seeking greater fulfillment, and inspired by her husband’s encouragement, she pivoted to education and earned two master’s degrees in Business Administration and Guidance and Counseling from Cleveland State University. She taught Business Education at John Adams High School for a decade and briefly taught evening classes at Cuyahoga Community College. Her career took a transformative turn when she was appointed to lead John Adams High School's Job Development Program. Gwen excelled in this role, coordinating vocational training, organizing mock interviews, and preparing students for the workforce. She pioneered the school’s first job fair, which became an annual event that later expanded district-wide. Gwen later joined the school’s Guidance Department, where she supported college-bound students. She retired from the Cleveland Board of Education in 1989, ready to conquer new opportunities. In retirement, Gwen embraced entrepreneurship. Specifically, Gwen co-founded GERIC Home Health Care with her son, Eric. The agency quickly became a pillar of care in underserved communities, with locations in Detroit, Michigan, and Gary, Indiana. GERIC was widely published in newspapers and magazines, earning esteemed awards such as the 1996 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Social Responsibility category as a result of the agency’s innovative approach to home healthcare. Gwen was renowned for her warmth, optimism, and unrelenting drive to succeed. She lovingly inspired her children, students, and later her staff to aim high and work hard to develop their skills and to achieve their goals – not by giving 100%, but by giving 110%. She also tried to impress upon them the importance of being responsible and on time. One of her favorite expressions was “Early is on time, on time is late and late is inexcusable!” She was a force of nature – exuding high integrity while living her life by example. As Gwen’s health declined, she was surrounded by a devoted circle of caregivers, including Melinda Dudley, Secerine Tinch, Sawana Rogers, and Candace Newsome, whose loving support mirrored Gwen’s lifelong dedication to others. On November 26, 2024, Gwen peacefully entered eternal rest. She leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, excellence, resilience, and service to others. Cherishing her memory are her daughters: Ronna McNair and Joni Johnson, MD; grandchildren: Ariel McNair, Erika Barron (Kirk), Robyn Peterson, Esq., Austin McNair (Olivia), Avery Johnson-Edmonds, and Sydnee Johnson-Edmonds; great-grandchildren: Caleb Barron, Jaxon Johnson, Judah Barron, Noah Barron, Malachi Barron, Alena Barron, Stephen Barron, and Christopher Barron; nephew: Theodore Williams (Vickie); grandnieces: Brandi Pace (deceased, 2021) and Tanisha Williams; great-grand-niece and nephew: Jeremy Williams and Janiah Williams; and her goddaughter, Valerie Catchings. She is also survived by her beloved son-in-law Darrell McNair and the McNair family, and cherished cousins: Roger Dexter Dixon and Tonina Hilliard-Walker. Gwen will be missed by her extended Hilliard family and a host of loving friends. Gwendolyn Williams Johnson leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and perseverance. She was a woman of unshakable faith and high integrity; her gentle guidance and endless support will forever resonate in our hearts. Gwen’s loving and kind spirit touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing her. Her legacy is eternal, and she will be profoundly missed and forever cherished by all. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gwendolyn (Williams) Johnson, please visit our floral store. Read More

Gwendolyn (Williams) Johnson

January 1, 1753