Funerals are a time to celebrate the life of the recently departed. It is also a time to connect with family and friends. It’s like a family reunion, although under more sober circumstances.

Yesterday we celebrated the life of Bernard F. Johnson. Bernard is the great grandson of Samuel and Emily Wallace (see posts of Samuel and Emily (Green) Wallace on April 29 and May 12, 2018). There are not many of the children of this generation left. Yesterday was a reminder to take the time to talk to the elders and hear their stories. I heard stories of what it was like to grow up poor in Monson and Palmer in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s; service in the military including the Korean War; a doo wop group (the Sultans) that was started by a group of young men starting to harmonize together for fun, and who then formed a group that performed at clubs and dances for a few years (two members are still alive); and the closeness of friends and family that is still there after decades of little contact with each other.

In Remembrance of Bernard F. Johnson Sr. (1930-2019)

Bernard F. Johnson Sr., 88, formerly of Peterson Rd., died on February 15, 2019 in Pittsfield. Born April 2, 1930 in Palmer, he was the son of Ralph E. and Beatrice M. (Wallace) Johnson. He was a lifelong resident and worked for a time at Jarvis and Jarvis and Mullins trucing. He spent 30 years as a trainer at the race track: Lincoln Downs, Great Barrington Fair and Northampton Fair. He served in the US Army during Korea and was a member of the American Legion Post 130. He is survived by his son Bernard “Mike” Johnson, Jr. and his wife Lisa of SC and his brothers Robert “Lobby” Johnson and his wife Mary of Monson, and Donald “Siddy” Johnson and his wife Jackie of Palmer and sister Beatrice Hinkle of CA. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Ralph, Leroy, Kenneth, Richard and Charlie Johnson and Agnes Wallace. A graveside service will be Wednesday, February 27 at 11:0 a.m. at Oak Knoll Cemetery. Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements. (Obituary on Beers & Story website)

The Sultans – Palmer’s own Doo Wop group

Back: Robert “Duke” Wallace, Ken Johnson, Couture
Front: Donald “Siddy” Johnson, Richard DeBoise, Fred “Red” Wallace

 
How many days until Spring? I’m ready!!
Until next time….
Teri