St. John’s Church was full of friends and family who were there to honor Florence Johnson and pay their last respects to her.
Florence Johnson was laid to rest this past Saturday morning at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlestown. More than 200 people attended her funeral, including members of the Rolling Thunder veterans motorcycle group and many veterans from Charlestown.
Johnson was a Gold Star Mother, having lost her son Edward (Teddy) in the Vietnam War.
Her surviving children spoke and offered eulogies about her life. “Everyone here has something in common. We were all touched by Florence,” said her son, William. “For her, Charlestown was the greatest place on Earth. She is surrounded by her friends and family, her spirit is with all of us.”
Four eulogies were offered in total, taken in part from the memories of her nine grandchildren and two sons.
Then with the melody of ‘Ava Maria’ wafting throughout the church, Florence Johnson left the church and her family for the final time. She was given transport by a U.S. Navy hearse and saluted by veterans and members of Rolling Thunder.
Pallbearer duties were carried out by her grandchildren and sons.