Ruth Elder Johnson

Posted on April 3, 2024

Ruth Elder Johnson, 94, passed away on March 30, 2024, in Live Oak.

She was born July 19, 1929 in Alachua to Harley H Jordan and Eva Harrison Jordan.

Ruth enjoyed a drink and a good joke. She was brutally honest and was not afraid to speak her mind no matter the consequences.

Her favorite watering hole was the Beach Bar, also known as the Bird Rack. She could be found there most days holding court.

Ruth worked as a librarian with the Pinellas County School System.

In her youth, she was a singer for the Royal American Country Show, opening up for such stars as Tex Ritter and Gypsy Rose Lee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray E. Johnson, and her parents, Harley H. and Eva Jordan.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by: her son, George W. Thompson III; three grandchildren, George W. Thompson IV, Lynn Cummings and Dorothy Savage; and other family.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Interment services will be held at a later date in Bushnell National Cemetery.

All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.