| Date of Birth | October 13, 1928 |
| Passed Away | July 19, 2025 |
| Service Date | July 27, 2025 |
| Service Time | 3: 30 PM |
| Service Location | United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main Street, Hornell, New York |
| Interment Location | Rogersville Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville. |
NORTH HORNELL – Wilma F. Johnson, age 96, of North Hornell, New York, passed away on July 19, 2025 at Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born on October 13, 1928 in Jasper, New York to Hannah and Lyman Fuhrman, Wilma grew up in Dansville, New York and graduated from Dansville High School
Wilma married John L. Johnson of Hornell, New York, in 1947. In 1963, they bought Waldorf Jeweler’s on Main Street in Hornell, operating it until their retirement in 1990. John and Wilma were active members of the community throughout their lives. Wilma served as the President of the Bethesda Hospital Women’s Auxiliary where she was an active fundraiser for Bethesda Hospital. She was appointed to and served on the Advisory Board to the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANY). Wilma played an important role in the decision to build the new Bethesda Hospital and continued her service on HANY’s Advisory Board concerning the delivery of healthcare to Hornell and other municipalities.
The Hornell Republican Committee honored Wilma with the Lincoln Award for exemplary service. Wilma also served as the President of the Women’s Republican Club.
The Johnson Family belonged to the United Presbyterian Church. Wilma was an Elder on The Session. She served as Treasurer, chaired the Evangelism and Parish Life Committee, and was on the Church’s 150th Anniversary Committee.
Wilma was known for her fashionable style and sharp dress. She was also an accomplished home cook, hosting regular gourmet dinner parties at her home on Seneca Road. She loved to travel, and together with John, drove across the United States. They traveled to England as part of an exchange through Rotary International and hosted exchange students through the Rotary Youth Exchange. Wilma was an avid reader with an interest in American history. She instilled her love of reading in those around her, especially her granddaughter, Sara, treating the completion of each book as a cause for celebration and excuse to get a new book immediately! Wilma, above all, was a patient listener, always making time for anyone who needed an ear and offering sound, impartial advice.
Wilma will be missed by her surviving relatives: her daughter, Pamela Johnson-Koch, of Canisteo, New York; granddaughter, Sara A. Johnson, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte P. Johnson, both of New Orleans, Louisiana; brother, Robert Fuhrman, of Wake Forest, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Ingrid Fuhrman, of Fairport, New York; a niece and four nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, John L. Johnson; son, Charles P. Johnson; brother, William Fuhrman; and son-in-law, Jack Koch.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held on SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2025 at 3:30 P.M. at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main Street, Hornell, New York. Private interment will be at Rogersville Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 (www.shrinerschildren.org) or your cause of choice. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
As Deacons, my daughter and I visited Wilma several times. She was fun and interesting to talk with and greatly appreciated the visits. About 11 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, she sought me out at church. She shared her own journey with me and provided much-needed comfort. May she rest in peace.
I member Mrs Johnson very well, as my mom used to work for her. Mrs Johnson was so stately, well dressed , but she never made you feel inferior. I used to be so taken by the shiny diamonds on her fingers. I had never seen anything like it. She will be missed. RIP Mrs Johnson, take your rest, you ran your race & finished your course. God bless you all Pam, Sara.
Aunt Wilma was the epitome of sophistication. Her dress, stature, intellect, fairness and genuine support for the community was humbly shared with everyone.
We all enjoyed numerous family gatherings, all of which fashioned fond (and often delicious) memories. A few years ago, I started a tradition of giving Aunt Wilma a call every time Kathy & I were at our place at the beach. She would answer, hi Danny, are you at the beach? 😊 Most calls were over an hour and there was not a second of awkward silence. Memories, family updates, music, genealogy and of course one of my favorite topics: “Aunt Wilma, please tell me another story about my Dad (her brother Bob). Did you really eat his pet roster for dinner?!”
The most recent call was the shortest. 9 minutes.
That was because there was a nurse with her and I interrupted something where she probably should have let my call go to voicemail, but she didn’t, she answered, and we had our call.
Little did I know that would be our final call. I am so glad she answered.
As usual I am late to the party – Aunt Wilma, however, would understand. I echo the other tributes posted here and wish I could have attended her service in Hornell.
I am her nephew but also a customer. She and Uncle John took great care helping me select my high school ring, an engagement ring for my wife then a bracelet to celebrate our twin boys birth. I think of how many folks special occasions were made even more so by them at Waldorfs.
My Uncle Billy, Cousin Chuck, Uncle John and Pam’s husband Jack were I’m sure there to greet Wilma in heaven. (George the cat too!)
God Bless Pam, Sara and Charlotte as they carry on Wilma’s amazing legacy!
A candle was lit for Wilma F. Johnson.