“great wife, mother and grandmother”

Delores A. “Dee” Johnson, 83, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after long illness.

Born on Friday, October 4, 1940 at the family homestead, she was a daughter of Clair L. and Charlotte A. Hackett Austin.  On June 4, 1971 in in the Ceres United Methodist Church, she married Carl F. Johnson, who survives.

Dee was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and was also a graduate of the former Olean Business Institute in Olean, NY.  Dee was employed for 21 years at the Olean General Hospital as an EKG technician until her retirement.

She was a charter member of the Bell Run Union Church in Shinglehouse where she served on the Missions Board and was also a member of the Bell Run Community Club.  Dee had a very caring heart and was a passionate caregiver, helping her neighbors and friends as they faced challenges in their later years.  She also was a safe-haven for many teenagers who faced various challenges throughout the years, giving them a place to feel secure and loved.  Her greatest love was her family.

Surviving in addition to her husband of 52 years are six children, Duane E.  (Elizabeth) Drake of Brandon, Florida, Carolyn A. (Gene) Briggs of Mountain Home, Idaho, Karla D. (Paul) Zielinski of Shinglehouse, Daniel “Joe” (Phoebe) Drake of Shinglehouse, Douglas L. (Donna) Drake of Alexander, Iowa, and David B. Drake of Linden, North Carolina; twenty-four grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Debbie K. (Paul) Dietze and Donna C. Shreckengost, both of Shinglehouse; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends. 

In addition to her parents, Dee was predeceased by an infant son; a daughter, Karen L. Hayes; and a sister, Dorothy J. Maxson.

To pay respects to Dee and her family, calling hours will be held from 10am to 12 noon on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Chad E. Shaffer of the Bell Run Union Church, Shinglehouse, officiating.  Burial will be in Bell Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bell Run Community Club, c/o Becky Austin, 308 Austin Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Dee’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Dee, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.