Obituary of Alexandra J Johnson

Alexandra Johnson Alexandra Jessamine Johnson, 66, of Gerry, New York, passed August 8, 2022, of lung cancer. Born August 27, 1955, in West Palm Beach, Florida to Jessamine Robinson and the late William Robinson, Alex was the middle of five children. She grew up in Buffalo, New York, before settling in Cassadaga as a teenager. There she met and fell in love with Lance Johnson, whom she wed in May 1974. They enjoyed 48 years of adventures and remained inseparable until her passing. A 1973 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School (CVCS) in Sinclairville, Alex held many jobs throughout her career, including serving as a devoted classroom aide for CVCS, retiring in June 2019. She made lifelong friends and influenced the lives of many children, but none as much as that of her son, Spencer, whom she and Lance welcomed in 1986. Being a mother (and, later, a grandmother) was Alex’s greatest joy. A friend to many and stranger to few, Alex was known for her compassion, humor, and generosity. Countless family members, friends, and coworkers were the fortunate recipients of her incredible handmade quilts–all works of heart. Alex was also a talented baker and cook who enjoyed hosting the extended Robinson and Johnson families for many holidays and special meals. She loved trees and nature, and couldn’t resist pointing out the beloved “old dogwood” each spring at her son’s home! Several long-standing family jokes won’t be the same in her absence, including a chicken exchange with her siblings, her hatred of Peewee Herman, and many other amusing pranks. Alex was happiest spending time with loved ones, quilting, relaxing at the beach, watching a good movie, or sitting around the table with a good meal (and Wegman’s chocolate cake). She was a storyteller, traveler, puzzle fan, and lover of good black tea. Most especially, she adored her friends and family, especially her grandson, Oliver, and granddaughter, Hadley, who loved their “Memaw” deeply and always appreciated her endless patience, enthusiasm, and craft projects. Left to treasure her memory are her husband, Lance Johnson; mother, Jessamine Robinson, of Pittsboro, N.C.; mother-in-law, Patricia Johnson of Gerry; son, Spencer Johnson and his wife, Megan, with their children, Oliver and Hadley Johnson, of Pomfret, Md.; siblings Betty Goodwin of Pittsboro, N.C., William Robinson (Jan) of Prosper, Texas, Randy Robinson (Carolyn) of Pittsboro, N.C., and David Robinson (Melanie) of Oak Island, N.C.; brothers-in-law Keith Johnson (Judy) of Franklinton, N.C., and Mark Johnson of Vestal Center, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Terri Johnson of Gerry; cousin and lifelong friend Peggy Sweeney of Falconer; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In addition to her father, Alex was predeceased by her father-in-law, Howard Johnson. Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville with a prayer service at 8 p.m. If you have received one of Alex’s beautiful quilts, please bring it with you to display in her honor. Burial will be private at Gerry Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and as a promise to her heartbroken family, please encourage your loved ones to quit smoking and subsequently undergo regular lung cancer screenings. While Alex determinedly quit smoking in 2014, tobacco still stole her from us. Access resources and help at the American Cancer Society, or call 1-800-227-2345.