Ms. Garland Gaillard Johnson, better known as G.G. of Mobile, Alabama was born June 2, 1932, in Chickasaw, Alabama. She shed her mortal frame for eternal rest on November 1, 2020. Now wearing a golden crown, Garland has joined her parents in heaven, Will Penn and Tempie Newton Gaillard.
Garland was a lifelong and faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed singing in the church’s annual Christmas cantata until her health declined. In 1948, she graduated from Mobile County Training School at the age of 15. Entering Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University in Normal, Alabama, after high school, Garland earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She did further graduate work at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
While at A & M she met the late Wilbert T. Johnson, Sr. They were married for thirty years. From this union were born Wilbert T. Johnson, Jr. and Carmen Johnson Brooks, Mobile.
Garland, affectionately referred to by her students as Mrs. G. G. Johnson, was a well- respected educator in the Mobile County Public School System for 46 years. She was well known for her creative teaching style. After retirement, she enjoyed decorating her home along with preparing delicious meals. G.G. was full of laughter and always fashionably dressed, wearing beautiful hats as part of her signature style.
Her brothers, Roscoe and Willie Oscar Gaillard; sister, Arvetta Singleton; and son-in-law, James Brooks preceded her in meeting their Creator. Leaving to cherish her precious memories are her two loving and faithful children, Wilbert Timothy Johnson, Jr. (Melanie) and Carmen Johnson Brooks; four grandchildren; Meosha and Timothy Johnson; and Melanie Thomas (Forrester); Melvin Love, Birmingham, one great-grandchild, Bayleigh Thomas of Mobile; a sister, DeEster Walker, Prichard, Alabama; one sister-in-law, Mary Tucker of Monroeville; three devoted nieces, Jacqueline Goler of Montgomery, Andrea Turner (Frank), and Alfreda Greene-Morrisette, Mobile. A myriad of nieces and nephews. And, Garland’s very dear friend Catherine Ward was very dedicated, checking on her weekly.