Julie Ann Johnson, 1942-2011
Train expert was major booster of railway museum, leader in transgender community
March 15, 2011|By Bob Goldsborough, Special to the Tribune
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-15/features/ct-met-julie-johnson-obit-20110315_1_illinois-railway-museum-railroad-transgender (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-15/features/ct-met-julie-johnson-obit-20110315_1_illinois-railway-museum-railroad-transgender)
A little more than a decade ago, Ms. Johnson decided to lead her life as a woman. She underwent a sex change and took the name Julie Ann. Ms. Johnson was supportive of others in the transgender community and assumed leadership roles in the Chicago Gender Society and the Be-All Conference, one of the nation's largest transgender gatherings.
I had a couple of opportunities to meet Julie. She was always warm, personable and funny.
In addition to the railway paraphernalia, she had quite a collection of European and American nickelodeons. They were very impressive, many of museum quality and most worked.
She was an asset to the community, and will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace, my sister.
-Sandy