Johnson, Ivy May
Ivy May Johnson was born March 3, 1917, in St. Mary, Jamaica West Indies, the 10th child of Thomas and Elizabeth Ferryman. She was described as “sickly” from childhood to early adulthood, having battled many illnesses including malaria and scarlet fever. Ironically, she was the last survivor of the original 12 Ferryman children (six boys and six girls) and passed away at the ripe old age of 105 years.
After a primary school education, Ivy was taught to sew, and like many of her sisters, she was sent to apprentice with the Hannas, owners of the leading dressmaking establishments in Kingston. She turned out to be an excellent dressmaker and worked for years at Bettymar, one of the Hanna stores where she specialized in doing alterations on custom dresses. Ivy was also a great cook and baker, best known for her deserts – particularly her carrot cake, and at Christmastime, her plum pudding.
Ivy was a free-spirited young woman who enjoyed working, socializing, and her freedom. She married later in life to her long-time love Ansel Johnson who predeceased her. She never had any children of her own but doted on her numerous nieces and nephews. To make a new life for herself, Ivy emigrated to the U.S. in the early 70s. She was sponsored by and became a trusted nanny and housekeeper to a prominent family in New York City. While in New York, she also reconnected with her brother Leon, his wife Maysie, and their children Rosie, Pam, Danny, and Clive who had recently immigrated from Jamaica.
Ivy had fun living and working in New York where she housed and entertained many family members, but in 1979, wanted a slower pace and moved to her sister Muriel's (Morrison) in Connecticut. She quickly secured a position of nanny to another prominent family, the Abrahms of West Hartford where she worked for many years until her retirement and was affectionately known as “Bubbe” (Yiddish for grandmother) to Max, Aaron, Simon, and Zach. Ivy lived an active life well into her 100's. She traveled and visited family and friends. In recent years, she was lovingly cared for by her beloved niece Heather Morrison (husband Larie Rochester) and “The Ladies” – Annette, Jennifer, and Lyn. Ivy was a longstanding member of Grace Baptist Church, first located in West Hartford, now in Windsor. Aside from the aforementioned nieces, nephews and adopted grandchildren, left to mourn her passing are nephews Michael Morrison of East Hartford and Horace Morrison of Jamaica, W.I and their families; nieces Marjorie Beach and husband Jonathan of Miami, Cecille Grant and husband Donat of Weston, FL, and Judith Butler and husband Brooks of Coral Springs, FL and their families; grandnephew Omar Lyn, his wife Judith and daughter Amelia; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her 11 siblings. May her soul rest in heavenly peace!
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 10-11 am, with The Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 am at Grace Baptist Church, 830 Marshall Phelps Rd, Windsor, CT For online condolences please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com
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