Gay L. Johnson

Gay L. Johnson passed on 25 July 2017. She was an Ithaca
native who was born on 15 April 1949. A graduate of Ithaca High
School in 1967, she was active in class reunions for many years.
She attended Ithaca College and received a Bachelor's degree in
education from Florida State University. She was a life time
member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca serving as an
Elder, a Deacon, a member of too many committees to count,
and a dear friend. One mission at Church that was particularly
close to her heart was to sustain the Wednesday night suppers
which bring friends, new members, and family to share a weekly
meal together. Gay's saying of grace before the
meal always flowed out of her and was a prayer from her heart.
She had a beautiful way of making everyone feel welcome and
loved. Gay served on numerous boards in the larger Ithaca
community, as well, including IACC, Suicide Prevention
Foundation and Historic Ithaca.

She was the daughter of Theron and Margaret Johnson who
had begun Johnson Apartments in 1948. Gay was the rental
manager and second generation of a local business with
nearly 70 years in service to the people of Ithaca.

Gay was the youngest of four children. She is survived by her
husband of 36 years, Larry Beck, her sons Jared and Micah
Beck, her sister Vera Lee (Bill Woo) of San Francisco, brother
Owen (Caroline) Johnson of Syracuse, her sister-in-law Karen
Beck, nephews Mark and David, niece Elizabeth, and great
nephews and nieces Benjamin, Anna, and Tate Johnson.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday August 12, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church 315 North Cayuga Street Ithaca. Great support from Cancer Resource Center and Hospice Care
deserve support from friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers,
please consider a donation to either of these organizations.