Freda Stevens Johnson

Freda Stevens Johnson, 88, of Lynchburg, died Thursday, October 5, 2017, in Lynchburg after a short illness. She was predeceased by her late husband of 58 years, John “Johnny” Rosser Johnson in 2007. Freda was born March 29, 1929 in Lynchburg, the only child of the late Richard Houston Stevens and Emma Farmer Stevens. She is survived by her son, Ricky T. Johnson (Denise O. Mays), her grandson, Ricky T. Johnson, Jr. (Tayler S. Johnson), and her precious great-granddaughter, Avery Lynne Johnson, all of Appomattox County, and all of whom she loved greatly and was so proud of. Freda also leaves behind her loving cat, Cali, and her many goldfish.

Freda graduated from Lynchburg’s E.C. Glass High School in 1947, and shortly after, began working at H.E. DeWitt Lumber Co. In 1951 she began a long career in the Billing Dept. of Lynchburg Foundry Co. until her retirement in 1994. She attended Thomas Road Baptist Church. Freda was an entrepreneur, opening her own beauty salon, and later, a tropical fish shop. As a young adult, Freda enjoyed riding horses and bicycles, bowling duck-pins and ten-pins in league and open play, roller skating at “The Merry Garden”, going to cowboy/western movies, playing softball and fishing the James River. Later she enjoyed pier and surf fishing at Virginia Beach and North Carolina’s Outer Banks, vegetable gardening, Hillcat baseball games, playing bingo, bus trips to play the slots in Atlantic City, NJ and Charles Town, WV, oil painting, stained glass design, chalk-painting furniture, and Saturday night dancing at New London Ruritan Club where she loved, and enjoyed socializing, with many dear friends.

Freda loved the out-of-doors, the natural world and all creatures great and small. Over the years, she has cared for, rehabilitated, and loved her horses, dogs, cats, birds, fish, ground hogs, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, and box turtles. One never knew “what” would greet you upon entering her home! Freda also loved the holidays, especially Christmas, where numerous Christmas trees were decorated throughout her home and she entertained family and friends with delicious meals.

As per her request, there will be no viewing or visitation. A memorial service will be conducted on the evening of Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, with the Rev. Lloyd Lipscomb officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow the service at the funeral home. Memorials, in Freda’s memory, may be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, Va. 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.