from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Elsie Miller Johnson, 71, of Eaton Rapids, MI died May 23 with her family around her.

Elsie met and married the love of her life, James Edward Johnson, in 1955. They shared a wonderful 55-year marriage together. This marriage was blessed with five loving children; Tresa Grossman of Charlotte, N.C., Mary Poe of Concord, N.C., James Johnson Jr. of Charlotte, N.C., Norma Cole of Blissfield, Mich., and Penny McWhirter of Eaton Rapids, Mich.; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Elsie was a longtime owner of harness horses, including Blueridge Astaire, Keno Vicky, Dandy Danny and Johnacole. She loved horses and being a part of the USTA and MHHA.

Services will be held May 27, 2011, at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.