Virginia `Ginny' Johnson, A Talker And Definitely A Doer

Any extra cash Virginia "Ginny" Johnson had would go to charity. If someone needed a volunteer, she'd quickly offer her time.

At Christmas she'd always sponsor a family in need - buy them a tree, dinner and presents.

An advocate for low-income families and victims of domestic abuse, Mrs. Johnson spent the past nine years working for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program in Duvall, a program that helps low-income parents access community resources and helps their children get a leg up on learning.

Mrs. Johnson died last Friday (Feb. 19) of injuries from a fall. She was 50.

"She was as selfless a person as I've ever known about," said her husband of 22 years, Fred Johnson of Redmond. "We have a fair amount as a family and she always felt like there was an opportunity for her to not worry about our thing, because she needed to worry about somebody who didn't have it."

A native Californian - she was born in Long Beach and grew up in Chula Vista - Mrs. Johnson loved the sun and the beach.

"A sunny day would just turn her spirits to smiles and happiness," Fred Johnson said. "If we could somehow get to a beach . . . it could turn any sadness in her."

Friends and family describe Mrs. Johnson as a fun, social person who was always supportive and wasn't afraid to give her opinion. They often teased her about her talkative nature.

"The worst thing in the world for Ginny was a moment of silence," said her friend of 22 years, Sally Smith of Redmond. ". . . She was an incredible storyteller."

Mrs. Johnson devoted much of her time to her children: Ashley, now 19, a freshman at the University of Washington; and Eric, 15, who's in high school.

When they were younger, she volunteered at their school and was involved with their extracurricular activities.

An avid reader, one of Mrs. Johnson's only self-indulgences, Fred Johnson said, was buying a new book. She was also a member of a Redmond book club.

Mrs. Johnson graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in sociology from San Diego State University. She then worked as a patrol agent with the California Youth Authority before moving to Redmond in 1976.

Also surviving her is her mother, Lourdes Shrin of Chula Vista, Calif.

Mass has been held. Remembrances may go to the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, 16625 Redmond Way, Redmond, WA 98052.

Information from Seattle Times staff reporter Carole Beers is included in this report.