Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2016

COASTNOTES
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story by Kelsey Sunderman photos by John Stricklin and courtesy of Johnson Brothers Jewelry
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Johnson Brothers Jewelry in Pascagoula, one of the Coast’s most prestigious and personable jewelers. Since their opening in 1946, Johnson Brothers has provided its customers with a family atmosphere and something special that has always set it apart.
“We love that we have lifelong relationships with our customers,” said Debbie Willis, the store’s owner. “Often a customer will come in to buy a baby gift for a new grandchild and tell us that they registered at Johnson’s when they got married. We are so glad to be a part of all kinds of special occasions for generations of families in Jackson county.”
During the 1940s, Hardy Johnson and his brothers each opened their own jewelry stores across the Southeast region. Though times were hard, Hardy Johnson’s Pascagoula location managed to persevere and still faithfully serves customers today.
Hardy Johnson and his wife Earline took great pride in the store, and lived and breathed to satisfy the community. The two were the perfect team, with Hardy handling business such as watch repairs and Earline handling the front of the store and acting as the face of the business.
The store became a gathering place for the community and Hardy and Earline Johnson were the perfect hosts. “Hardy would sit in the back at his repair bench, and
the men would come in and sit and visit,” recalls Willis. “Earline took care of the day-to-day operation of the store. She was meticulous about presentation — from the jewelry
JOHNSON BROTHERS JEWELRY was established in 1946 and originally opened by Hardy Johnson.
18 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2016
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displays, to the bridal registries, to the gifts wrapped with our handmade bows.” They insisted on providing their customers with a special experience each time they walked in, and they never disappointed.
Over the years, Willis has adopted the Johnsons’ sense
of community and continued to create the family business atmosphere that the Johnsons envisioned. Her daughter, Laura Burrow, began working at Johnson Brothers in 2007.
Seventy years after opening, Johnson Brothers Jewelry
is still going strong, and remains an integral part of the community. “We’re a local business in every sense of the word,” said Burrow. “We are really looking forward to our 70th holiday season. After all, Christmas isn’t complete without a Johnson’s bow under the tree.”
Johnson Brothers Jewelry Company
511 Delmas Avenue, Pascagoula 228.762.3266 www.johnsonsjewelry.net
THE STORE
is currently owned by Debbie Willis and they sell a wide variety of jewelr y.
JOHNSON BROTHERS
Anniversary