Kellie Denise Fortner Forrest

 

     I was looking through some old pictures trying to figure out which story I should write about Grandma Pearl and what I noticed the most in all my old pictures was that Grandma was always there.  There she was at my 3 year old birthday party.  There she was at my dance recital.  There she was at Christmas Dinner.  There she was at my high school graduation.  There she was picking me up from college.  Sometimes she was right in front of the picture and sometimes she was in the background.  I realized how lucky I was to have a grandma so involved in my childhood.  She was someone who always supported me in the important events in my life and the not-so-important events.  She was definitely a hands on grandma and I love that about her. 
      Of course, I also have to mention those times she took Hollie, Lindsay and I to Nauvoo.  Those were some of the best times of my life.  She fit right in with the teenagers as well.  She is in almost every teenage group photo we ever took at Nauvoo.  She was everyone's grandma and everyone loved her there and everyone still does, I am sure.

Grandma is an awesome example to me and I hope to be the same kind of grandma to my grandkids as she is to hers. 
Have a wonderful 90th birthday, Grandma!!  You are awesome!!!  We love you!!


Gary, Kellie, Isabel, Lucy, Jack, John and Eddy

Randy Fortner

The Randy Fortner Girls

 Randy

 

 Randy with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson

Happy 90^th Birthday Grandma!!!  We all love you very much.

There are a lot of stories to tell about Grandma.  For example, the time when she picked up the hose on the front porch, it was actually a live snake, her aggressive driving habits, her underground supply chain of Dr. Pepper, and many more.

If I think back to a good story about Grandma Johnson and I remember the time I was a freshman or sophomore in High School.  Grandma took us shopping with her, or took me to get something, or dropped me off to work, etc.  We went to the Overland Dairy, which was next to a big Target over in the Ronnie’s Plaza.  I believe Craig may have been with us.  It must have been on a Saturday and there were cars everywhere.  At the Target/Overland Dairy, the only parking spaces were way at the end of the parking lot.  There were no good parking places.  We drove around the parking lot about four times.  I think I said, “Grandma, let’s just park way out here and walk in.  She said, “No, I’ll find a parking spot”.  So, Grandma turns the corner on a long row of park cars.  Grandma spots a car that is going to leave and is beginning to back up out of a parking space.  The exiting car is backing up in the opposite way we are coming.  Grandma focuses in on the opportunity.  Behind the car backing up is a van full of kids.  The van has their blinker on in anticipation of pulling into this soon to be vacated parking place.  Well, the exiting car backed up, blocked the car that was waiting.  Grandma, saw the space open, speeded up to get into the 3 second old vacated parking space.  Grandma pulled into the space before the exiting car could put their in drive to pull forward.  It was one of the best car maneuvers I had seen in my life.  I was impressed that grandma would pull in front of the car that was still backing up.  As we were getting out of the car to go into the store.  The lady in the van that was waiting yelled at Grandma and said something like, “Hey, that’s my parking space, I was waiting for it, I have a car full of kids!”  Grandma yelled back the perfect line, “I SAW IT FIRST!!!!” and walked into the store like nothing happened.  I went to school the next day and told a few people the story about my Grandma yelling, “I SAW IT FIRST!!” at this lady in the Overland Dairy parking lot.  I told the story to a group of people in band, lunch, gym, etc.  So, for months, as I was walking down the halls in school, friends would pass me and say, “Hey Randy – I SAW IT FIRST!!”  There were even people that were saying “I SAW IT FIRST!” that I didn’t even know.  That went on for months, maybe years, at Mehlville HS.

I also remember how grandma would count her tips from working at Howard Johnsons.  There was change EVERYWHERE.  She was the most popular waitress they had.  I remember going to eat at Howard Johnsons as a family and Grandma would be our waitress.  Grandma knew every state trooper in Missouri.  I guess Howard Johnsons was the office away from the office for Missouri State Troopers.  Grandma understands the importance of family.  No matter what happens, no matter what people do or say, her family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are always welcome around her.  She is a pillar during tough times and a great lady.  Grandpa Johnson was one of my best friends growing up and I was his little buddy.  I am grateful that Grandma and GrandPaul are together.  Paul is a great man and part of our family.  I really enjoy spending time with Paul.  He’s my kind of guy.  We all love him very much. 

Happy 90^th Grandma!!!

Love you!!!

Randy

Mckenzie Ella Traylor

To: GG

Love: Mckenzie

Stephanie Johnson

"Grandma, you are a very special woman who has touched so many lives in your

90 years on this earth.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and many more

to come.  -Stephanie"

Alan and Shelley Johnson

Alan and Shelley Johnson

Alan and Shelley Johnson

      When I think of stories about Grandma, I go back to the time I was in high school and Grandma got this new computer from Hollie. She was pretty excited to learn about it, but needed someone to show her the ropes. Being a somewhat tech savvy high school kid who thought he knew everything, I hung out at grandmas on various nights to show her how to send e-mail or burn a cd. (I am sure that uncle Gary wishes I had left out that whole learning how to e-mail part) Most of the time, my teaching visits turned into Grandma’s story telling time. I heard stories about grandpa, the farm, my dad, and so many others. One funny story she liked to tell was the time my dad and Rod were working in the back chopping wood. Somehow Dad got hit in the head with the ax and was bleeding pretty bad. Rod, knowing the firestorm that was coming, attempted to conceal this small little accident by placing dads ball cap in a way to hide the gash. Grandma was not fooled of course and Dad was quickly off to the hospital. Taking time to laugh about the past was special to me.

      One of my more favorite experiences to tell about grandma came following her quadruple bypass surgery. We tried to make sure that someone always stayed the night with grandma in case anything went wrong. When it became my turn to stay the night with grandma; Hollie was asked to stay as well. A clot formed in Grandma’s leg in the latter part of the evening. It was not overly troubling to her, so we decided to go to bed and she would see her doctors in the morning. The morning came and I awoke to an empty house – no grandma and no Hollie. It turned out that during the night the clot became increasingly painful and it was decided that she would need to go the hospital. Hollie called 911 as well as my Dad and probably a few others; everyone came including several police cars, a fire truck, and an ambulance. I managed to stay asleep in the front room through all off the commotion despite the number of people going in and out. My parents say that they decided to let me sleep because they did not want to wake me. Personally I think that they forgot I was there on the couch under some covers and were surprised when I called in the morning. If it had been left to me, we may not have been able to enjoy grandma for all of these years. Thanks to Hollie – grandma made it through.
      Growing up, grandma’s house was almost like a big kids play ground. We got to drive tractors, ride the lawn mower, shoot pellet guns in the back, and play in the barn. Even though that last activity may have gotten us in a little trouble here and there, we all made it out with our limbs attached. The best part of grandma’s was being able to horse around with those friends Heavenly Father chose for us to be with. Throughout life, friends will come and go except for a small group that we share an eternal bond with, our family. Sunday dinners, watching sports, and visiting with one another are cherished memories of mine. Thanks to grandma for always striving to bring the family together no matter what the conflict or circumstance.

Pearl and the Kids

Jim, Marilyn, Sharon, Rod, Bill and Pearl

December 2009

Van Massimo Russell

GG, love her.

Van Russell

Danny and Teri Liptrot

One of my more vivid memories of Grandma took place in my front yard when I was 8 or 9 years old.

Grandma and I were playing basketball with all the fervor an adolescent and a recent AARP member could muster, when my less than aesthetically pleasing neighbor appeared and yelled smugly.

"Who is that, Danny?"

My quick-witted retort was,

"That's my Grandma and don't you make fun of her!!!"

Love you Grandma, Happy Birthday.

Love,

Danny and Teri Liptrot

Scott Johnson

Two Bananas, three apples, two nutty bars, two or three Twinkies or Ho Hos, a container full of taco soup, and a package of sliced ham, this is the usual contents of my take home bag after nearly every visit to Grandma’s house. This, of course, is not all she has giving me throughout my life. From letting me use her car when mine was broken to making the pain of a bee sting go away (I don’t know how she did it), she has always been there when I’ve needed help.  What I feel is more important than what she has given me is the great example she has been to me, in being determined in the face of adversity, in showing love and nurturing to family, and always demonstrating a kindness and willingness to provide for others. This is why I love my Grandma.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!!

Love, Scott

Sharon Kay Johnson Fortner

 

One special time that I remember was when I was about 15. I was going on my very first date.  I was asked out and it was a group thing. I was so excited I can't remember, to this day, where we went or what we did. I am sure I had a good time. Although, I do remember that I had nothing to wear.  Mom came into my room that night before and brought me the coolest outfit.  I don't know where it came from or when she had the time to shop. It was a purple sweater and matching purple pants.  They were just what all the other girls were wearing and I was so happy.  It was one of those times when your Mom knew just what you needed and made it happen.  It was just what a 15 yr old needed for her first date..... that's was just one time. Mom,  there were many before and many after that.  Thanks for all the babysitting all the special mother- daughter times, and for being my Mom, let's face it, it's been fun, "being raised by a Texian"   

I love you MOM,

  Sharon Kay Johnson Fortner

Lindsay Fortner Russell

 GG and the Big Boys

 

 Nauvoo

 

 The Russell Family

 

 GG, Kingsley and Van Russell

Dear Grandma,

So you are turning the 90. That is awesome. I have always thought that you would out live me and I think I am proving myself right.

Grandma, I just want to thank you for being wonderful. You have taught me so many things over the years. Your sassy, take charge, don't tell me I know what's right attitude it awesome. You are full of love, kindness, and spark. I will always remember growing up with you being right by my side.

We were roommates in Nauvoo and I think I learned the most about you there.  I don't ever think I have told you how much Nauvoo has meant to me. Your willingness to take me, Hollie and Kellie there has changed my life in more ways then you know. I have made lifetime friends there, gained a testimony of Joseph Smith there, and made the most wonderful childhood memories there. Thank you for that. If it were not for your willingness to have me be apart of that, I don't know what I would have done with the rest of my youth. Being part of the City of Joseph is metal of honor that I love to ware.

I have memories of your wonderful home, we knew we needed to mind there and we did. I remember Andy, Scott and I playing Star Wars in the guest bedroom. I remember when you married Paul Hicks, what a wonderful choice you made. He has been an awesome grandpa and example to me, Kingsley  and my boys. You really found someone awesome to take good care of you. 

While I was in College I will never forget talking to you on the phone about things going on there. Then coming home and loving the smells of Christmas in your home. I always knew that Paul's peanut brittle would be cooking, and there was never a Holiday without some of Grandma Texas sheet cake. I think it is famous.

Thanks Grandma for being you. I know that this birthday is a big one and I can't wait to make the 100 years of Pearl book in 2020. You are the best ever and I love everything you are and everything you taught me.

Love you always,

Lindsay

Andrew William Johnson

I have many memorable moments of Grandma (GG) and to choose only one moment has proven to be very difficult.

I though of a simpler time "exploring" her backyard as a seven-year-old and (in a Pav;pv-like manner) I would hear the bell ring atop the hill. Salivating, we would come running for lunch consisting of reheated McDonald's hamburgers and french-fries. Somehow, the soggy french-fries didn't seem to matter. I remember for years she would frequently bring over pots of delicious mastacholi, To my brothers and I, the tomato-based pasta seemed as if it were manna delievered by an angel. These simple gestures helped form within me the ideals of nurture, kindness, and charity.

More recently, I have been experiencing GG through my children's eyes. The love I see her extend to the boys helps me realize the love that is and has been extended to me. She is truly a wonderful blessing in my life and I cannot tell her enough how much I love her.

Love always,
Andy

Hollie Fortner Traylor and Ryan Traylor

Ella and Ella

Hollie and GG at the Nauvoo Temple

Hollie, GG, and Lindsay 1988 in the Nauvoo pagent

The Traylor Family Ryan, Hollie and Mckenzie Ella

When I think of Grandma so many things come to mind.  Like sleep overs at Grandma's, working on the garden, sitting in the front room and relaxing, Sam's Club, Church.  Especially some important life lessons that I still use to this day.  She's the one that taught me, "If it's not broke don't fix it".  Just last year when I was visiting she pulled out her 8 tracks and plugged the Johnny Cash one into her 8 track machine.  When I asked her why she still had it, her reply was, "Well, Hollie, it still works!  Why would I get rid of it if it still works"?  Another thing she taught me was when I was in high school and she was telling me some story from when I was a kid and I told her I couldn't remember what she was talking because I just have a really bad memory.  Grandma's answer was, "No, you just don't pay attention".  I think I would of gotten mad by that, being the young 16 year old I was, but I thought about it.....maybe I don't pay attention like I should.  Since then, I've always tried to pay more attention to what people are saying and really listen.  Although, the one thing that that really stands out when I think of Grandma is Nauvoo.  I think of her taking me, Kellie and Lindsay to Nauvoo for two weeks out of the summer and having us in the City of Joseph Pageant.  I think I was in it for maybe 4 years, but being there had such an impact on my life I feel I owe that all to her.  It's there where I first felt my testimony of our church begin.  Nauvoo will always have a special place in my heart, because of my Grandma.  There was also a real tender moment during someones wedding, I think it was Lindsay's, and I was able to sit next to Grandma in the sealing room.  We listened as one of Grandpa's old friends, the sealer, reminisced a little bit about Grandpa.  As he was talking she searched for my hand and held onto it.  I could feel my grandma's love and spirit so strong in that room.  That is one moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I want Grandma, Granny, Grandma Pearl, PearlJam to know that I love her and thank her for everything she has done for me.  She is an example of a hard worker, a modern day pioneer, a good cook, a strong loving heart, and someone that will never forget you.  I love you Grandma!  Happy Birthday!


"Happy Birthday GG"!  Love Ryan Traylor

Reagan Garrett Russell

Dear GG,

Happy Birthday!

I hope you have a great 90th birthday

and I would like to say Thank You for your funny stuff you sent me on E-mail

Sincerely,

Reagan

Roman Isaiah Russell

Dear GG,

Happy 90th Birthday. Hope it is great and hope you have a great new year.

Love,

Roman

Jake Johnson

"I think every time I visit with grandma I take a great memory with me. But there are two stories about Grandma that really stand out.  The first story is probably her favorite to tell about me as well. I was in Kindergarten (around the same age I am in my picture in the front room) it was my turn for show and tell, Grandma had brought some things that she and grandpa had gotten while they were serving their mission in Canada.  What I showed was a belt made of beads that had "BYRON" written on it. I held it in front of everyone and wore it along with a big ole smile (at least that is what grandma tells me).  I'm sure this story will be a repeat. We meet as a family in Lee's Ferry a few summers ago, toward the end of the trip my dad was giving a little speech (lecture would be more like it) he had made a comment that was somewhere along the lines of.. Grandma is getting old, but before my pops could even finish his thought, everyone hears grandma out of left field say "I'M NOT OLD!" we all got a really good laugh.  There have been so many great memories I have had with grandma ranging from Nauvoo, to just sitting in the front room with her. Grandma your one of a kind, love you so much.
  Jake"