Helen Byers Johnson , age 99, a long time resident of St. Johnsbury, passed away on Nov. 22, 2009, at the Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester, Vt. She was born in Newbury, Vt., on June 3, 1910, the daughter of Clarence G. and Mabel Hatch Byers. She attended schools in Wells River before transferring to St. Johnsbury Academy, class of 1928. She was employed by Franklin Hovey, DDS, as a dental assistant until her marriage to Bernard Clark Johnson of St. Johnsbury following his graduation from Middlebury College in 1932. The couple was married for 52 years, and together were active supporters of the St. Johnsbury school system, South Congregational Church, St. Johnsbury Academy, the Boy Scouts of America, and numerous other civic organizations. Helen was an avid bridge player. She was a member of South Church for 80 years and a life long member of Eastern Star. She was a Cub Scout den mother and, together with her husband, organized the first Cub Scout Gold & Blue Banquet. Above all else, she was a committed homemaker, and her home was always open to young people. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joann Helen Dittman. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia McMains and husband James of Genesee, Idaho; a son, Richard Clark Johnson and wife Mona of Harrisonburg, Va.; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home. Her current pastor, the Rev. David O'Brien from the First Baptist Church of Burlington, will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with her husband and daughter. Contributions in her memory may be directed to South Congregational Church or St. Johnsbury Academy.