Judith Gayle Johnson

Judith Gayle Johnson, 66, of Galesburg, died peacefully at 6:54 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at home, surrounded by those she loved.

Judy was born June 20, 1951 in Carthage, TX the daughter of William Leonard and Patsy Wynell Garner Cheshire, Jr. Judy graduated from Carl Sandburg College with an Associate’s in Applied Science degree. She worked as the secretary for the Knox County Public Defender’s office for many years, retiring on June 30, 2016.

She married Stephen E. Johnson on July 1, 1995 in Galesburg. She is survived by, her husband of 22 years, Steve of Galesburg; as well as three sons, Rick (Heather) Kent of Galesburg, Wesley Kent of Galesburg, and Lance (Amy) Kent of Mackinaw; a brother, Craig (Penny) Cheshire of Weare, NH; a sister, Candance (Chris) Bauer of Elmira, NY; a step son, Brent (Christina) Johnson of Nesbitt, MS; and a step daughter, Tricia (Jeff) Henry of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Cody Kent, Katy Kent, Harley Kent, Zeke Kent, Aubrey Kent, Spencer Henry, Julia Henry, Katie Johnson, Cooper Johnson, and Lauren Sherwood.

Judy was an active and dedicated union member. She was the secretary/treasurer for the Galesburg Trades and Labor Union and had been selected to be this year’s Grand Marshall at the 125^th Galesburg Labor Day Parade. She was also a union activist for A.F.S.C.M.E. Local 3217. She will be remembered as a loving mother, wife, and grandmother.

Per her wishes cremation rites will be accorded and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family for a charity to be named at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.