Helene Johnson

Helene Marie (Gern) Johnson, aged 86, of Boston, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024. Born in Otterberg, Germany on May 29, 1937, Helene brought joy and warmth to all who knew her. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters Gladys Gern-Bowden (NC), Denise Rodriguez (Boston), Alberta McCormick (Boston), Sylvia Johnson-Curry (Boston), and Theresa Johnson (Boston); her daughter-in-law Elizabeth Paris-Gern (Boston), Marilyn Jones (Boston), Jeanie Drooker (Boston); sons Peter Gern (Boston); sons-in-law Kevin Bowden (NC), Travis McCormick (NC), and Willie Curry (Boston), and her adopted sons Michael Assad (Boston), Dennis Thompson (Boston); nephew Benno Puppe and his wife Ingrid (Germany); sister-in-law Gwendolyn Rush-Tisdale; and nephews Sidney Collier, Francis Collier, and Harry Walker. Her legacy extends to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her dearest friends Ethlyn Roach and Gladys Curry (Boston), and a community that cherished her deeply.

Preceding her in death were her lifelong partner Jimmie James Fluitt; her parents Peter and Maria Gern; siblings Karl, Zita, Joseph, Peter Jr., and Paula; and sons Joseph Johnson and Jimmie Fluitt Jr.

Helene, affectionately known as 'Helen' or 'Miss J,' relocated to the U.S. in 1965, setting roots in Colorado where she met her beloved Jimmie. The couple moved to Boston in 1971, where they shared their lives until Jimmie's passing in 1981. A vibrant storyteller, Helene often recounted her difficult early life in war-torn Germany, her days working in a factory and as a housekeeper, and her love for the outdoors-especially family gatherings at Houghton's Pond and visits to her daughter Abby in Virginia. A nature lover and talented cook, she gardened and fed birds daily, and was famed for dishes like her Chicken and Dumplings and Meatloaf.

An enthusiastic fan of country westerns and wrestling, Helene also loved dancing. Her home was a sanctuary for those seeking comfort and guidance. A devout member of Morning Star Baptist Church, she reveled in the teachings of her pastor. Helene's profound impact and loving spirit will be profoundly missed.