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Eloise Johnson, a Tryon resident from 1964-2021, passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Hospice in Ocoee Florida on September 13, 2024. Born in Union Mills, NC in 1942 to Guy and Hattie Thompson, she moved to Polk County in 1965 after graduating from Limestone College and taking a job with the Polk County Extension Service. She met and married the love of her life, Chris Johnson, in 1965, and proceeded to have careers with not only the Extension Service but Polk County Schools and White Oak Manor before her retirement. She and Chris had a wonderful life of adventure until his passing in 2014. Eloise moved to the Summit of Winter Garden in Winter Garden Florida in 2021 to be closer to her daughter, and she enjoyed the last years of her life to the fullest surrounded by people who loved her.
She is survived by her daughter Christa Whittaker and husband Bob Whittaker of Winter Garden, Florida, granddaughters Sydney and Helena Whittaker of Chicago, Illinois, daughter-in-law Melanie Johnson and granddaughters Maggie and Taytem Johnson of Columbus North Carolina.
In keeping with her wishes of no funeral or formal service, her granddaughters are planning a time to get together and celebrate her life and legacy as a family. These young women were the pride and joy of her life, and they adored their Mama J. The spirit of Eloise lives in each one of them, and they will carry her love forward.
Eloise stayed active in Kiwanis and as a member of Tryon First Baptist Church even after she moved to Florida, participating in services and meetings via Zoom. She was a tireless crafter and taught card-making classes in her community up until she became ill this summer. She was beloved of all who knew her and left a legacy of giving and volunteering that lives on in her grandchildren.
Tributes can be sent in her name to Tryon Kiwanis Club, 210 Melrose Ave. Tryon NC, 28782 to support their scholarship fund.

Submitted by Christa Whittaker