Gay (Meyer) Johnson combined love, joy, humor and creativity to brighten and enrich the world of everyone around her.

An accomplished artist and musician, she and her late husband, Jack Johnson, were the driving forces behind the Saxonburg Summer Theater, as its dramatic and technical directors. They also designed and built the stained-glass windows, with their ornate depiction of lilies and butterflies, that grace the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church.

She and Jack met at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where in addition to their studies they formed part of a talented folk music ensemble known as the New Folk Five.

After their marriage and an extended honeymoon touring Europe, they settled in Western Pennsylvania and raised their family in a house full of art, music, pets, love and laughter in the wooded hills of Clinton Township.

While a progressive decline from dementia eventually stole away her ability to create, and even to speak clearly, she fought until the very end to hold on to the words “I love you” — and she used them every chance she got.

Gay is survived by her sister, Anne; her sons: Barclay and Tucker (Lisa); and her beloved grandchildren, Josie and Jacob.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Johnson — A memorial service for Gay Johnson will be held at 2:30 p.m., after a 2 p.m. visitation, Sunday at the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church.Instead of flowers, please send a donation to the Butler County Humane Society. Fox Funeral Home Inc., in Saxonburg assisted the family with arrangements.For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.