Priscilla Sneed Johnson

Priscilla Sneed Johnson was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky on September 9th, 1914 in the Handy family home of Chestnut Hall. Her parents were Nancy Bronson Handy and John Boswell Sneed who raised her and her older brother Torrence in Hansboro (near Gulfport), Mississippi. She was her father's "tomboy" – going with him on his fishing and hunting trips through the bayous in Mississippi and Louisiana – swimming with the alligators and "saving" one cute squirrel or another. She danced through the 1930's, making a dress in the afternoon and going to the dance that night! She went to Cincinnati for one semester of college (so she could see snow) but when she came home at Christmas break she was introduced to a handsome young Coast Guardsman, Vaino Johnson, who was stationed at the nearby base. She didn't return to school and they were married in 1936 and began a wonderful and loving adventurous life together. Priscilla never looked back – she always looked forward to the next place or event with anticipation and optimism and created a warm and loving presence in her sphere of influence.

Priscilla was part of a large extended family growing up. Three of her cousins were raised in the same household and were as close as or closer than siblings, especially Elizabeth Clark Dietz. She made the effort to stay in touch with family throughout her life and tried to maintain connections between the generations, even though they were spread out all over the country. She had two children of her own, Torrence V. Johnson (living in California) and Ryntha Johnson (living in Denver) and considered all of the Dietz clan hers as well – Bob, Carl, Mary and David. Priscilla loved people and loved life and as a mother and grandmother she created opportunities and gave the gift of wonder and exploration to all her children, God-children, grand-children, cub scouts and girl scouts. She never lost her passion for nature, birds and animals and sharing her experiences with others.

The last two years of Priscilla's life were clouded by Alzheimer's but she kept her bright smile and the twinkle in her eye throughout most of the journey despite the confusion. Her last home was at the Exempla Colorado Lutheran Home in Arvada, Colorado where she was cared for with love and respect.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Priscilla's name to the Exempla Colorado Lutheran Home, 7991 West 71st Ave, Arvada, CO 80004 or the Rocky Mountain Alzhiemers Association, 455 Sherman Street STE 500, Denver, CO 80203.