Born November 29, 1929, Gladys Johnson turned 90 years old last month and was feted with a birthday celebration in front of more than fifty guests. Gladys was born and raised in Quincy, Florida and moved to Jacksonville in 1941 for employment and existence beyond farm life. Gladys remembers growing up on her parents farm raising and plucking chickens, planting potatoes and cabbage! After purchasing her first home in 1968, Gladys vowed to God that as long as she lived, she would have church in her home. Finally in 1994, Gladys had enough funds to open the doors to minister Christians at her families Soul Saving Church located in the Lackawanna area on Nolan St. When asked what her secret to a long life is, Gladys remarked, “Doing the right thing, going to bed on time, no drugs or alcohol, cigarettes too – that’s what helps your longevity,” she said. Shown is Gladys (middle) with her grandson Ernest Johnson, Jr. (left) and son Ernest Johnson (right).
