Gladys Mary Gray Johnson

Gladys was the eldest of eight children born March 11,1938 to the late Lawrence and Rosie Gray. She passed away after a brief illness in Clinton, Md on December 28, 2023.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, recently her sister Anita, her brothers; Michael, Lawrence, Robert, George Gray, niece Esther Gray, sisters-in-law Vivian Gray, Marjorie Gray  and former husband Edwin Tymas.

  She leaves to mourn her husband Eric Johnson of 34 years, his daughter Christina (Steve), sons Eric and Carlos and their children and grandchildren.

  Gladys also leaves heart broken her daughter, Robin Ingram and son, Michael Tymas (Tracy); grandchildren Michael (Nakia) Kiana Tymas and Carmen (Thomas) Payne; great-grandchildren Mikera, Michael, Ma’Ciyah, Malayah, Mikenzi and Jaxon; great-great grandchildren Tailynn and Michael Tymas. 

  Also, devastated by her passing are her surviving brothers John Gray (Regina), Edward Gray (Daisy), sisters-in-laws Juanita and Phyllis Gray,  and Etta-Jean Johnson and many nieces, nephews and relatives who affectionately addressed her as “Aunt Gladys”. She loved her family dearly, her common response when told “I Love You” was “I Love You More”. Birthdays and special occasions will not be the same without Aunt Gladys, Grandma and Ma thoughtfulness of sending a card or gift in the mail, and calling to see if got it, hinting that was money enclosed.

 Gladys was born and raised in Washington, DC, graduated early from Cardoza HS in 1955, per her brother John she was one of the smarter ones. She later married and raised two children while working for the Federal Government (HEW). She learned the skills of shorthand (attempted to teach her daughter), Braille alphabet (Administrative Assistance to a blind boss) and Word Processor (today’s computer). 

  Gladys enjoyed bowling and traveling to the different parts of the United States attending the Bowling Tournaments. She frequently held the role as treasurer of the various bowling leagues, which she took the trust place in her very seriously.  She was known by a nickname (GiGi) for Gladys Gray, that stuck for years. She enjoyed the companionship and card games with her long -time friends Paulette Bryant, Micky, Cheryl, and many others who have passed away. She attended the cookouts, birthday parties and family celebrations whenever she could.

   Gladys had a strong reserved personality, which was often perceived as being “stuck up”- far from it-just a woman who kept her feelings and business to herself. She later divorced her former spouse and her life took another path.  She moved to Maryland where she and her sister lived in the same Silver Spring co-op development. GiGi found new friends, nevertheless, hosting and enjoying family get togethers in her small apartment. She was an attractive youthful looking woman who turn the heads of men young and old.  So after 10 years of singleness, she let her guard down for a new relationship.

Gladys no doubt caught the attention of Eric Jonson whom she married after a serious courtship on December 19, 1988. They moved to Suitland, MD and later to Clinton, MD where the family gatherings continued for various celebrations for years. She and Eric made this place home for the past 30 years, caring for and entertaining family and friends. Gladys was able to retire at 55 years old and enjoy doing exactly what she wanted, enjoying her married life, traveling when “felt like it”. They joined Christ Episcopal Church in which they both embraced, she as a member of (ECW) Episcopal Church Women’s Ministry, President of Daughter’s of the King (2006- death), and under the umbrella of the DOK she managed the church pantry until closure (Covid) in 2020. Eric was on the V. Board and was very instrumental in the building of the deck on church property and many other Church projects- can we say Fish Fry!!

Glady’s passing caught us all by surprise, I feel it was quick for her as well. We will miss her listening ear, her gentle touch, her “What, you got to be kidding me”, her generosity and thoughtfulness, her straight forwardness and sassy comebacks, her hugs and kisses and most of all her                                                  I LOVE YOU MORE!!

  My Mother’s favorite color is Yellow= Happiness, Sunshine & Hope!