Worcester - Natalie (Johnson) Gutridge passed away Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Jewish Healthcare Center. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Stanley H. Gutridge. She also leaves a nephew, William W. Johnson, Jr. of Newburyport, MA She was predeceased by two brothers, William W. Johnson and Robert C. Clemons, and a niece, Shirley Johnson. Natalie Donothan Johnson was born February 15, 1920 to Dr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Johnson in Cambridge, MA. Upon the death of Dr. Johnson in 1925, the family moved to Haverhill, MA. Mrs. Gutridge graduated from Lowell Teachers College in 1943 and taught in the public grammar schools of Haverhill for many years before coming to Worcester. Mrs. Gutridge retired from the purchasing department of Heald Machine Co. in 1985 with more than 20 years of service.
Mrs. Gutridge was a member of John Street Baptist Church and served as a teacher and superintendent for 30 years. She was also active with the Youth Group including tutoring students for many years. She printed the weekly church bulletin for several years, was an active member of the Women's Group, and was a permanent usher. Mrs. Gutridge was a director of the Association of Colored Peoples which established scholarship assistance for Black students from Kindergarten through Graduate School at the Bancroft School and Clark University in Worcester. Mrs. Gutridge assisted her husband in the writing of his books. She was a member of the Wesley Weds of Wesley United Methodist Church and actively participated in the annual fair and several other activities.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR NATALIE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to John Street Baptist Church, 43 John St., Worcester MA 01609 or Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main St., Worcester MA 01608. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, is directing arrangements.
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