Grissom-Clark Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Mrs. Tommie Jean Johnson

Mrs. Tommie Jean Johnson of Atlanta passed. Tommie Jean Johnson, daughter of the late Willie Johnson and the late Lucille Phifer Johnson Patton, was born March 20, 1931 in Birmingham, Alabama.Tommie was called home by her Heavenly Father to eternal rest on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 2:28a.m. At an early age, Tommie accepted Christ into her life and experienced most of her spiritual growth as a devoted and committed member of the African Methodist Episcopal church before joining the Presbyterian Church. She remained a loyal and dedicated member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia where she was ordained as a Ruling Elder and served as the Church Treasurer for thirty plus years until her death. Quiet in spirit, but strong infaith, she lived daily by the motto: "All of my help comes from God". She valued God and strived to exemplify love just as God loves each of us. She enjoyed solving challenging mathematical problems, working puzzles, and watching the court shows on television.

Educated in the public schools of Birmingham and Northport, Alabama, Tommie displayed her intellectual gifts early when she was sent to school at age 4 along with her then 6 y ear old brother, Billy Earl because he would not go to school alone. Thinking that they were twins, the teacher never questioned her presence because Tommie was able to keep up with the other children and often exceeded the expectations of a first grader. This would prove to be one of many first and singular moments that would stand out in Tommie's life.

In 1949, Tommie entered into holy matrimony with Raymond Stover and to this union two children were born; Michael and Sandra. Throughout their lives, her children enjoyed the comfort of the constancy of their mother's affection and attention, and her sincere interest in everything that was important to them. Her children were a wonderful mirror of Tommie's intelligence and zest for life.

She completed her undergraduate studies at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. Later, she continued her studies at the Emory University earning a Masters of Science in Mathematics. She would begin her teaching career at Elm Street School in Rockmart, Georgia and then on to Fountain High School, in Forest Park, Georgia. Moving on to the Atlanta Public School system; she taught at Price High School, Parks Middle School, Bass High School and finally at Southside Comprehensive High School until her retirement in 1999. While teaching at Parks Middle School and later at Bass High School, Tommie went on to earn her Ed.S Degree in Mathematics at Emory University. From Bass, she transferred to the newly built Southside High School where she was honored, acclaimed, and admirably respected as Chair of the Math Department.

It was at Southside that Tommie wrote and received the highest grant ever awarded to an Atlanta high school. The $1 million grant was awarded by the GE Fund which is the philanthropic foundation of the General Electric Co. The purpose of the grant was to implement a comprehensive program to double the percentage of Southside High School college-bound graduating seniors by 2007. Although she wrote and received many grants for her school and her church, it was the GE grant that etched her name in the walls and halls of evenj high school in Atlanta. Always humble, she was most proud of this accomplishment.

She leaves an eternal lighted candle for her family: her devoted and caring son, Michael Raymond Stover (Wanda) of San Antonio, Texas; her devoted and loving daughter, Sandra Stover Ford (Jerome) of Tallahassee, Florida; and a devoted and caring niece, Sherole Brown Thrash (Maurice) of Atlanta, Georgia. She also leaves three precious granddaughters: LaSonja Gantt Collins (Trey), Ashely Stover Tokic (Damir), and Alexis Chaney; two wonderful grandsons: Taurean Stover (Pamela) and Lucius Gantt, IV; two great granddaughters: Annalesia Joi Stover and GiaVonna Skye Stover; a loving sister, Jeraldine Johnson Hart (Lionel) ofBirminham, Alabama; a dear sister-in-law, Juanita Johnson of Los Angeles, California; a brother-in-law, HennJ Jackson of Birmingham, Alabama along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband; her brother, Billy Earl Johnson; and her sisters, June Marie Johnson and Inez Johnson Jackson .Grissom-Clark Funeral Home 404-373-3191 www.grissom-clarkfh.com

Guest Book

My Lovely MeMe... Oh How I've Missed You Dearly! Thank You For Being There For Me In The Beginning of My Life! I Love You So Much and I Hate That I Didn't Tell You So Enough. I'm Confident That You Made Your Transition To Be With Our Heavenly Father and I'm Going to Celebrate Your Life w/ the Rest of Our Family and Loved Ones! Love Always

- Taurean Stover

I would like to express my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear loved one. The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. Our loving God Jehovah is aware of this and he comforts us by means of his word the Bible. Psalm 34:18 says: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. The Bible also reveals that it is God’s purpose to restore the dead to life when he resurrect all those in the memorial tombs (John 5:28,29). Then they will have the opportunity to live on a paradise earth free from sickness and death (Revelation 21:3,4). May these few words be of comfort to you during your time of bereavement.

- R. Sweatman

Blessed are they that mourn for they shell be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Keep the faith our prayers or with you. Chuck and Linda

- Carl and Linda Edmondson

Blessed are they that mourn for they shell be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Keep the faith our prayers or with you. Chuck and Linda

- Carl and Linda Edmondson

Condolences to the Mrs.T.Johnson Family and Friends. Mrs.Johnson was the best Math Ever! Eternal Rest......

- Wanda Nelson Fuller

Condolences to the family of Mrs.T.Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was the best Math Teacher Ever! Hold on to God's Unchanging Hands. Eternal Rest Mrs.Johnson

- Wanda Nelson Fuller

Our condolences to the Johnson Family and Friends. We're so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Johnson was my favorite Math Teacher at Bass High School. She was loving and caring to all her students. I'm praying for the family strength. RIP!

- Stan & Kerri Ferguson c/o 81'

I would like to offer my condolences to the Johnson family and may God be a refuge and strength in your time of distress.(Psalms 46:1)

- P. Watts

Death is never easy and my condolences go out to the entire family. May you take comfort in knowing that Ms. Tommie is only asleep in death and that soon Jesus will awaken her. (John 11:11-14) And not only that, Isaiah 25:8 says “God will swallow up death forever”! I hope this brings you peace.

- P. Henderson

Resting In Peace with God now. Ms. Johnson you will be truly missed. Family you all has my condolences. Ms. Johnson was one of the greatest teacher at Bass High School she kept all of us on the right path she wanted us to succeed. I am so happy she cross my path on my life journey. I truly appreciate it. Rest in Peace Ms. Johnson rest in peace.

- Anita Worthy-Mitchell

Praying for the Johnson Family. God Bless. Remembering a great lady.

- Debra Mitchell

Elder Tommie Johnson will be sorely missed by the Congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church and by each of us who worked closely with her as she tirelessly provided leadership, encouragement, and support. My deepest sympathies to all of her children and family during this time of sadness. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.

- Kenneth L. Whitehurst

Michael, I just found out about your Mom. I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. BJ

- Belinda Johnson Skelton

My deepest sympathy and condolences for the Johnson and Stovet family. My blessings and prayers are with the family always. Loving You Always

- Judy Montgomery