‘Loved by many veterans’: Johnson retiring after 28 years with the state Department of Veterans Service
DALTON, Ga. — When then-Gov. Zell Miller implemented a hiring freeze on state workers in 1992, Pat Phillips, former senior office manager of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in Dalton, “found a way around it” to hire Judy Johnson.
“I found out we could transfer Judy in, so that’s what I did,” said Phillips.
Johnson had worked for the state for two years before becoming Phillips’ secretary.
The day Phillips hired Johnson he took an emergency two-week leave due to a death in the family.
“When I returned everything was still standing,” he said. “Everyone was taken care of and that made me feel good.”
Next month after 28 years with the Department of Veterans Service, Johnson will retire as senior office manager. She will be replaced by Kelly Johnson, no relation. A retirement reception was held in Judy Johnson’s honor on Thursday at American Legion Post 112 in Dalton.
Kelly Johnson, currently a Veterans Service officer, said he’d be “really wealthy” if he had a dollar for each time someone thought they were related.
“After 11 years of working together, we are related in a way,” he said.
Kelly Johnson said he first met Judy Johnson in 2000.
“I walked in her office and she was courteous, knowledgeable and very professional,” he said. “I can say she still exhibits those qualities.”
Kelly Johnson said he’s worked since he was 15 and has had many bosses, but “Judy, you’re the best boss I’ve ever had.”
Kelly Johnson said what he’ll remember most about Judy Johnson is when she teamed up with Modern Woodmen of America to get a flagpole for the front of their office.
“Judy has impacted a lot of veterans in our community and around the state,” he said. “She’s loved by many veterans and their families.”
Rebecca Sirmons, of Blairsville, said Judy Johnson helped her brother Tony Reece, a Vietnam veteran, a lot.
“She assisted us in so many ways,” Sirmons said. “There are a lot of papers to fill out, different steps to follow.”
Sirmons said when her brother died last year Judy Johnson came to the funeral.
“That really meant a lot to my family,” she said.
Clayton Ridings, 16, said Judy Johnson, who is his grandmother, is always working.
“She can never sit still, I don’t know what she’ll do with extra time,” he said.
Ridings said she’s “caring, always happy, full of energy and passionate about her grandchildren.”
Among those in attendance to wish Judy Johnson well were Dale Bell, director of benefits for the north region for the department, and George Canavaggio, assistant commissioner. Bell presented Judy Johnson with gifts and Canavaggio read a proclamation.
Judy Johnson called the celebration “bittersweet.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with this department,” she said. “I have a lot of memories I’m going to treasure forever.”
She said it was good to see everyone.
“I want to thank all the veterans for allowing me the opportunity to serve you,” she said.
Ellen Jones, of Dalton, said Judy Johnson was there for the wives of veterans when “we didn’t know which way to turn.”
Paul Sneed, of Sugar Valley, an Army veteran, said she will be missed.
“We definitely owe her more than we can give,” he said.