Miriam Jane Bruton's Obituary
Miriam Jane Johnson Bruton, was born June 20, 1921 in Gilboa, Ohio to Ariel Brooks and Geneva May Johnson. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on April 12, 2016, at the age of 94. She had two brothers, Wilber and Rolland Johnson. Her father, Ariel Brooks Johnson, was a Methodist minister at several churches throughout Ohio. Miriam loved to accompany her father during church services by playing piano and organ. Miriam attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. In 1943, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. She was then enlisted in the Army and trained in Washington D.C. to be a Physical Therapist. She was eventually stationed in San Francisco during World War II as a US Army 1st Lieutenant and worked with amputees and disabled servicemen. She also had the opportunity to drive the first handicap car. In San Francisco, the Army enlisted the services of several navy dentists, one of which was Jefferson Bryant Bruton. They met there and fell quickly in love. Jeff and Miriam married in December 1947 in Ohio and then moved to Dallas, where they made their home. They had four children: Nancy, Janice, Paul and Martha, whom brought them much joy. Miriam was a Girl Scout troop leader and loved to participate in and support her kid’s many hobbies. Jeff and Miriam’s main passion in life was to travel and they visited many countries together over the years. They were active members of Spring Valley Methodist Church since the early 1960’s. Miriam was a wonderful example of faith, hope and charity. Miriam is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy & Darrell Frisse, her daughter Janice Bruton, her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Paul & Doreen Bruton and her daughter Martha Ballew. She also has 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 52 years, Jefferson Bryant Bruton. Visitation will be held from 3-5 pm, Sunday, April 17th at Restland Funeral home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 18th, 2016 at Spring Valley United Methodist Church, 7700 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, Texas with Dr. Clara Reed officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Valley United Methodist Church or Disabled American Veterans by visiting www.dav.org Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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