Mrs. Dorothy Ann Johnson, 77, of Leary, Georgia departed this life on Monday, April 29, 2024 at her residence in Leary, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. in the Eureka Missionary Baptist Church, 3891 S Depot St, Leary, GA 39862.

Interment will follow in the Eureka Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Dorothy Ann Johnson, affectionately called “Mrs. J.,” “Dot,” “Auntie Dot,” and “Mama Dot,” was born on October 13, 1946, to the late Eddie and Mary Ellen Johnson in Leary Calhoun County, Georgia.

Dorothy transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, April 29, 2024, from her home in Leary, Georgia, surrounded by her family.

At an early age, she joined the Eureka Missionary Baptist Church (Leary), where she remained a faithful member until her demise. She served on the Senior Usher Board, Deaconess Board, Sunday School teacher, and as director of the Jr. Usher Board. She was faithful in reading her bible, daily devotionals, and Sunday School lessons. She knew and loved the Lord, her family, and her friends.

Dorothy was educated in the Calhoun County school system, having attended Leary Elementary School, Edison Middle School, and H.T. Singleton High School, graduating in the class of 1963. She matriculated at Albany State College (now ASU) from 1963- 1967, earning her BS Degree in Math and Science. She continued her education while attending summer classes at GSW. She returned to her Alma Mater to begin a teaching career that lasted for thirty four years (August 1, 1968 – January 15, 2002) before retirement. She was called back to teach for ten more years (2008-2019) post retirement. She taught at H.T. Singleton High School in Morgan, Georgia, and Calhoun County High School in Edison, Georgia.

She was recognized by her peers as a great educator, being awarded “Teacher of the Year” several times during her teaching career. She was a huge supporter of the Calhoun County Cougars!

Dorothy was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Johnnie B. Johnson, on April 14, 1973. On April 14, 2024, they celebrated fifty-one years of marriage. Their vows were truly “til death do us part.” This union was blessed with one son, Reginald Jarvis Johnson. Reginald blessed them with two grandchildren, Reginald, Jr., and Demetrious. Reginald, Jr., blessed them with one great granddaughter, Ja’Nari.

However, she was “Mama Dot” to her “love” children, Bernard, Diane, and Rickey, along with several other grands and great-grands. She played a great part in raising her sisters’ children, Sandy and Yolanda, and the Cullen clan, Willie Lee, Jr., Rufus, William, Beverly, Sheila, and Jacqueline. She also had three very special “adopted” children, Sedric Goodson, Carl Gordon, and Brodee Lewis.

Dorothy will always be remembered, not only by her family but by everyone in Calhoun County as one who always had a “pot on the stove” for anyone who stopped by and wanted something to eat! There was always food at “Mrs. J.” house and Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas was always over the top! Food, food, food!

Her home was also the headquarters for all of the kids’ activities in the “park!” For the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween (trick or treat), Christmas Carolers, and the Summer lunch programs, the eggs were boiled and colored, hot dogs were cooked, trick or treat bags were filled with plenty of chips, candy apples, and drinks, all prepared at her house! She knew how to get the community of Leary involved! Dorothy loved Leary! No matter where she was, she would always be heard saying, “I’m ready to go to Leary, now!”

Dorothy was also very civic minded. She served as the Calhoun County Supervisor of Elections for Leary for many years.

Dorothy was the baby of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters, Willie Mae, Eddie Mae and Willie’s twin infant sister; brothers, Silas and Willie Lee Jones, Jr.; nieces, Mary Ellen and Sandy; and nephew, Willie Lee Cullen, Jr.

Dorothy’s cherished memories and legacy of love will forever remain in the heart of: her husband, Johnnie B.; sons, Reginald (Shon), Rickey, and Bernard (Velonie); brothers, William and Henry; sister, Eva Marie (Jimmie); sisters-in-law, Barbara (John), Calinte, Rowenorrie and Ora; brothers-in-law, Leon (Lula) and Isaac (Cynthia); and a host of nephews, cousins, and friends.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant. You have fought a good fight and finished your course. Therefore a crown of life is laid up for you! Amen.”

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.