Gertrude "Gert" Johnson ,79, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Decatur, IL on July 22, 1945, to the late Benjamin and Ella V. (Williams) Forrest.

Gert was also preceded in death by her children, Vernon Johnson and Rosie Jean Johnson; and siblings, Alvin Forrest, Bennie Forrest Jr., Jerome Forrest, and Helen Jean Sanders. She is survived by her children, Albert (Victoria) Johnson Jr. and Tonia (Terrence Williams) Johnson; sister, Sheila Ann Lucas; daughter-in-law, Margaret Johnson; 14 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and her feline friend, Oreo to cherish her memory.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. Cremation will follow services in accordance with Gert's wishes. She will be laid to rest at a later date at North Shore Memory Garden in Coloma, MI.

Gert, also lovingly known as "Sugar," was a kind and loving woman, though she never minced her words. She worked as the head cook for several local nursing homes over the years and was loved by many of the residents there. Feeding others was Gert's love language and she made the most delicious soul food. She made it her mission to be sure everyone was well fed and taken care of. Family meant the world to Gert, especially all her grandbabies. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends.