World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday

World War II veteran and Winston-Salem State University alumna, Elizabeth Barker Johnson, will turn 100 on May 2. She gained a bit of celebrity last year when she was featured on local and national news for walking in the 2019 commencement ceremony, 70 years after graduating from the institution. To honor this occasion, a drive-by party and birthday card appeal have been planned.

Johnson was ranked as private first class in the U.S. Army during World War II. She was a member of the 6888th regiment, which was the only all-female, all African American regiment stationed overseas.

Johnson is a 1949 graduate of Winston-Salem Teachers College, now Winston-Salem State University. After coming home from the war, she became the first woman to enroll at Winston-Salem Teachers College on a GI Bill. She found a teaching job immediately after earning her degree, so she was unable to attend graduation because she couldn’t find a substitute. She spent three decades as a public school teacher in North Carolina and Virginia.

Her family is planning a celebration for her in Hickory, North Carolina. For this milestone birthday, Johnson is asking the community for 100 birthday cards. Cards can be sent to the address below.

Elizabeth Johnson
C/O Pinecrest Independent Living
915 29th Ave NE
Hickory NC 28601

Drivers that would like to participate in the drive-by parade on May 2 are asked to lineup starting at 1:45 p.m. at or near the Catawba Science Center (243 3rd Ave NE Hickory NC 28601). Please expect heavy traffic.

We are asking all of our Ramily, friends, and supporters to help us make this an unforgettable birthday celebration. Let’s all show our Ram pride!