Helen Virginia (Bullock) Johnson

JOHNSON - Helen Virginia Johnson, age 91, passed gently into the arms of her Savior in the early morning of December 23, 2019 at Trail Creek Place, Michigan City, Indiana with her daughter, Cindy, at her side. With the commitment and support of her family members, she lived out her final years with grace, courage and dignity. The family wishes to thank both Munson Hospice of Grayling, MI and Dunes Hospice of Valparaiso, IN for their thoughtful service and tender care during her brave fight with cancer. Helen was born March 29, 1928 in Pontiac, Michigan, the only daughter of Perry R. Bullock and Delia Patterson. Helen, along with her four brothers, grew up in Flat Rock, MI where they attended a one room school house. The family later moved to Pontiac, MI where she graduated from Pontiac High School Class of 1946. She first met her husband, Edward Johnson, at a YMCA dance and they were later married June 23, 1950 in Pontiac, MI. Helen, a longtime resident of White Lake, MI lived in the same home for 60 years. A devoted and loving mother, Helen was a stay-at-home mother while her children were young. She worked at Brooks Elementary School; first as kitchen help, then playground attendant and also tutored students. In 1983, Helen purchased and co-owned Pot City, a craft store in Waterford, MI with her son, Gary. Her gift of art and creative abilities made the store a success. In the early 1990’s Helen closed her store and became involved in the Waterford Senior Center planning dances and events; calling and encouraging other seniors to get involved. She also began a project to bless war veterans by sewing lap quilts and hand delivering them to Veteran’s Homes for a number of years, personally delivering as many as 80 quilts each Christmas. For many years Helen and Eddie spent their weekends and summers at their East Twin Lake cabin in Lewiston, MI. Here they made unforgettable family memories as they taught their children to water and snow ski. Today, their precious grandchildren and great grandchildren are making some of those same family memories at the same family cabin. Helen always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and made it her mission to help those in need; whether it be making a phone call, delivering a plate of goodies, a bouquet of flowers, providing a ride to work, filling up a gas tank or providing a much-needed used vehicle. Anyone who ventured into her life’s path was touched by her love and giving heart. She also blessed her children by gently guiding and teaching them by Godly example to live Christ-centered lives. Her death-bed prayers for each were answered and she can rest that her job was fulfilled. "Well done My good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23. A lover of nature, Helen enjoyed her flowers, hostas, searching the woods for wild flowers, feeding the birds and providing winter shelter to the neighborhood stray cats. Known as the "Hat Lady", Helen first attended White Lake Presbyterian Church and later Highland Community, Grace Church and occasionally West Highland Baptist Church. She often attended three churches on any given Sunday. She loved being surrounded by God’s people, to hear His Word and join along in song and worship. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her four children: Caryn (Chris) Mortimore of Kalamazoo, MI; Gary (Debbie) Johnson of Highland, MI; Cathie (Keith) Houchins of Michigan City IN and Lewiston, MI; and Cindy (Steve) Anderson of Grand Blanc, MI. Also survived by a half brother, Paul Bullock of Elijah, GA; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and one on the way and last, but not least, her beloved cat, Shadow, an adopted neighborhood stray. Helen was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, five brothers, twin great grandsons and her faithful dog, Lizzie. Cremation has taken place at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Home, Michigan City, IN. A memorial service is being planned for May and burial will take place at Highland Cemetery, Highland Mi. Memorial donations can be made to Duck Lake Center, 5061 N. Duck Lake Rd., Highland, MI.

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