Beverly Ann (Garramore) Johnson

Beverly Ann Garramore Johnson passed away suddenly on December 26, 2025, from cardiac complications, surrounded by family at Maine Medical Center.

Beverly was born on July 4, 1944, the daughter of Muriel Jacques Garramore and Jules Garramore. She grew up in Biddeford, Maine, and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School. She often shared fond childhood memories of roller-skating, dancing, and barrel-jumping on speed skates. Beverly was the beloved older sister of her younger brother, Dr. Peter Garramore.

Beverly met the love of her life, Paul Johnson, while attending Gorham State Teachers College (now USM). They were married for 60 years. Beverly began her career in education in 1966 at Lincoln Junior High School in Portland and went on to teach in Windham, North Berwick’s Hurd School, and Berwick’s Estabrook Doran School, serving as both a French teacher and an elementary teacher.

Committed to lifelong learning, Beverly earned advanced degrees in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. On her 40th birthday, she accepted her first principalship in Rollinsford, New Hampshire. She later served as principal at Jameson Elementary School in Old Orchard Beach and at the Shapleigh School in Kittery, Maine, where she played a key role in school renovations. Beverly went on to become Superintendent of Schools in Kittery and later in Sanford, Maine. At one point, Beverly and Paul were one of only two married couples in the United States simultaneously serving as superintendents. A trailblazer for women in educational leadership, Beverly mentored countless educators throughout southern Maine. She retired from her role in Sanford at the age of 52.

Outside of her professional life, Beverly was an avid reader and completed crossword puzzles daily. She treasured time with family and friends and loved hosting gatherings for colleagues from SAD 60, neighbors from Bear Pond, Dade City, and Blackberry Hill Village, and her cherished college friends. Holiday celebrations and family gatherings were often held at the couple’s retirement home on Bear Pond in Hartford, Maine. There, Beverly spent countless hours gardening; her gardens were well known and admired throughout the area. Most of all, Beverly “It’s Your Memere!” found great joy in attending her grandchildren’s school concerts and sporting events.

Beverly is survived by her loving husband, Paul Johnson; her daughter, Jennifer Hersom, and son-in-law, Jeremy Hersom, of Berwick, Maine; her son, Kenneth Johnson, and daughter-in-law, Laura Johnson, of St. Albans, Vermont; and her four grandchildren, Marley and Camden Johnson of Vermont, and Addison and Olivia Hersom of Maine. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Peter Garramore, and his wife, Ginger Garramore.

Beverly lived her life fully and with purpose. She extends her gratitude to all who were part of “my life.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blackberry Hill Village Clubhouse at 1 Camden Road Berwick Maine on January 3rd from 2-4pm.

--

"Outdoor recreation has added years to my lifespan" Leon Leonwood Bean

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly Ann (Garramore) Johnson, please visit our floral store.