A well known resident of Shap celebrated her 100 th birthday this week; Amy Johnson who has lived the community for the past 46 years is a native of Jamaica.
It is interesting to learn that Mrs Johnson’s birthplace was Westmoreland in Jamaica, and when she left her native shores in 1961 to live with her daughter and family, she came to Rosgill in the old county of Westmorland. Mrs Johnson is the mother of Doreen Lee who was the district nurse in the Shap district for over 30 years.
Mrs Johnson was a dressmaker, a skill she was still actively pursuing until about five years ago. She was one of a family of five girls, and has one surviving sister in Jamaica plus several relatives. She has made just one return visit to her homeland since her move to England.
Known to her friends simply as ‘Grandma’, Mrs Johnson has a strong Christian faith and is a regular worshipper at St Michael’s Church. She is very active and walks to Sunday service from her home, the journey includes a steep ascent to the church. When asked what the secret of her long life was, she replied: “Praising the Lord”.
Mrs Johnson lives with her only daughter Doreen in Shap, and she has three grandchildren, Stuart Lee, Penrith, Ann Lee, London and Mark Lee, Long Marton.
Her birthday was celebrated at home with her family and took the form of ‘Open House’ and during the day many visitors called to offer their congratulations and good wishes to a much loved and respected lady.
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