Obituary of Jill Johnson
Please share a memory of Jill to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
Jill Gretchen Johnson left our worldly realm on Wednesday, December 10th at the age of 59. Like everything else Jill did in her life - she went out with a dramatic exit.Jill lived a colorful life - she began a long career in fashion modeling quite accidentally while studying abroad in Italy during her sophomore year in college in 1974 when she was discovered by Giorgio Armani. After returning to America she joined Zoli agency in New York - the only one who would take her given her height of "5 foot 12 inches" - despite her great beauty. Eventually the premiere Ford Model Agency picked her up where she had a long and successful career that spanned over 30 years. She liked to say she was "working the graveyard shift" before she finally retired.Jill has since been a professional photographer, primarily covering social events in Manhattan, on Long Island and in Florida.
Though Jill didn't have children of her own she was a Class A aunt and godmother. Her two miniature dachshunds served as her babies - Freckles and Tinkerbell along with her two cats - Hugs and Kisses.
Jill is predeceased by her father Glenn Johnson. She is survived by her mother, Evelyn Andersen Johnson of Locust Valley. Sister Kim Johnson Gross, nieces Glenna Gross Fix and Carolyn Gross, grand-nephew Maxwell Gross Fix all of Rye, New York. And sister Susan Johnson Banta and her children with husband Philip Banta - Adriana, Gabrielle, Maximilian and Sophia Banta of Stinson Beach, California.
Memorial Service Saturday at St John's of Lattingtown 11am