Gladys Johns

Mrs. Johns died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Alterra Sterling House in Lawrence.

She was born Oct. 13, 1900, in Lawrence, the daughter of Albert F. and Nellie (Guffin) Jones. She attended Lawrence public schools.

She worked at many downtown Lawrence businesses before going to work at the Douglas County Clerk’s Office. She retired in 1970. She also was the state’s first female sheriff, fulfilling her husband’s term after his death.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, La Sertoma Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

She married William

“Dunie” N. Johns Jr. on July 7, 1923, in Lawrence. He died July 13, 1950.

Survivors include a niece, Jean Church, Santa Maria, Calif.; a nephew, Charles Martin, Vancouver, Wash.; a cousin, Sally Hally, Grand Terrace, Calif.; and caregivers Melissa Warren, Lori Wagner and Harriet House, all of Lawrence.

The family suggests memorials to United Way of Douglas County in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to info@warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Johns.

l A story about Gladys Johns appears on this page.