Sylvia T. Johnson, obituary

Tue, 02/09/2021 - 1:00pm

ROCKLAND — Sylvia Trevithick (Pryor) Johnson, 101, died February 5, at Knox Center for Long Term Care.

Born in Ashland, New Hampshire, November 25, 1919, she was the daughter of Thomas and Winifred (Nichols) Pryor. She was educated in local schools, graduating from Ashland High School in 1937. She attended Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, and later graduated from Providence Bible Institute, Providence, Rhode Island in 1942, having studied Bible and Music with majors in piano and voice.

She met her future husband, R. Quentin Johnson, while at Providence and married in 1942. They first lived in LaGrange, Maine where they pastored the Community Church. Quentin continued his studies, graduating in 1947 from Eastern Baptist College and Theological Seminary in Overbrook, Pennsylvania. While her husband attended seminary, she worked for General Electric in Philadelphia and later at Westminster Press as a proofreader.

After seminary they ministered at the Cambridge Baptist Church in Cambridge, Maine where their two sons were born. Subsequent churches included Knotty Oak Baptist Church in Coventry, Rhode Island and the former
United Baptist Church (now State Street Baptist) in Presque Isle, where their two daughters were born.

In 1966 they accepted a call to Rockport Baptist Church, and, in 1970, accepted a call to Spruce Head Community Church. After retirement they assumed a part-time ministry at Village Baptist Church in Washington. Over the years Sylvia was active in Christian Education, Pioneer Girls youth programs, teaching Sunday School, and various music ministries. She was often an organist or pianist, choir director and soloist.

She worked in several local schools as a substitute teacher and teacher’s aide. For many years she was the assistant librarian at Rockland District High School. She enjoyed calligraphy, painting in watercolors, flower gardening after her father’s training, and playing golf.

Sylvia is survived by her four children, Dwight (Lynn), Dale (Angela), Priscilla and Kathryn; six grandchildren, Peter Johnson (Laura), Emily Lafleur (Adam), Matthew Judkins (Brooke), Erin Vannah (Steven), Samuel Johnson, and Rachel Johnson; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, David Pryor of Tilton, New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was predeceased by her husband in 2012; sister Faith Devine; and a brother, Thomas E. Pryor.

Sylvia’s family appreciates the excellent care she received while residing at Quarry Hill and the Knox Center for Long Term Care.

A private graveside burial will take place in the spring.

To share a memory or condolence with the Johnson family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.