Hollywood legend Glynis Johns, known for her iconic role as suffragette mother Winifred Banks in the Disney classic Mary Poppins, has been laid to rest in a small coastal town in Wales. The British actress passed away in Los Angeles in January at the age of 100, and her ashes were recently transported to Jerusalem Independent Chapel in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, to be buried alongside her Welsh father, actor Mervyn Johns.
A touching ceremony was held before the burial, where Send In The Clowns, a song written for Johns by legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, was played. The minister of the chapel, Chris Owen, shared that he was contacted by Johns’ goddaughter in the United States, who wanted to fulfill the actress’ wish of being buried in the family grave.
Despite her fame and success in Hollywood, Johns had a special connection to Burry Port, where she would visit for some respite from her busy career. The ceremony was attended by close family members and friends, including Rachael Nicholson, whose grandmother was Johns’ cousin. Nicholson shared that Johns and her cousin enjoyed dancing and ballet lessons together in Pembrey.
Glynis Johns came from a showbusiness family, with her father being a well-known actor who appeared in several films after World War Two. Following in her father’s footsteps, Johns made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with roles in films like Miranda and The Sundowners, for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
Her most memorable role, however, was as Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, where she starred alongside Dame Julie Andrews. Johns also had a successful stage career, winning a Tony Award for her performance in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
As she is laid to rest in the town where she found solace and connection to her roots, Glynis Johns leaves behind a legacy of talent and grace that will be remembered by fans and loved ones alike.
