1960-1993 Woody was known in Portland as a stage performer for a while at Darcelle XV, pageant winner, owner of several businesses, and beloved by the community at large.
WOODY - LADY ELAINE PEACOCK
Photos above are from Woody’s Memorial Program. Article below is from The Oregonian - date forthcoming.
‘WOODY' JOHNSON DIES OF AIDS AT 33
Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) - November 6, 1993
Summary: Called ``Peacock'' by his friends, he sought to promote acceptance of sexual diversity
Elwood ``Woody'' Johnson, a prominent figure in Portland's gay community for many years who was widely known as his drag incarnation Lady Elaine Peacock, died Oct. 27 of complications from AIDS Oct. 27 in a Portland hospital. He was 33.
A memorial service will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 13, in the Washington Park Amphitheater.
A resident of the Portland area for more than 20 years, Mr. Johnson -- called ``Peacock'' by his friends -- had entertained at Darcelle XV nightclub over the years and won many titles as a female impersonator.
In 1986, he was named Empress XXIX of the Imperial Soverign Rose Court of Portland and was crowned La Femme Magnifique International in 1988. His performances were frequently part of charity events that benefited local gay organizations.
In 1988, he and his sister, Misty Waters, created the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund in honor of his late mother, a founding member and former president of the Portland chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
The fund has provided more than $12,000 in scholarships during the past five years.
Mr. Johnson won a reputation for encouraging discourse to help combat ignorance and foster more acceptance of sexual diversity.
He had published Alternative Connection, a local gay and lesbian newspaper, since 1991. He had owned Peacock Services, a Portland floral delivery service, since 1986.
He was born Dec. 19, 1960, in Port Arthur, Texas. He graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School and served as student body president during his senior year.
Besides his sister, survivors include his partner, Ray.