Magnolia Johnson

Obituary For Magnolia Johnson

Magnolia Betts Johnson was born November 9, 1940 in Darling, MS to the late Spencer Betts and Birteal Taylor Benson. She was appropriately named after the beautiful and fragrant Magnolia flower. Like the flower itself, her beauty was radiated by her infectious smile, robust laughter, and “sweet” personality that resulted in her being affectionately known as "Pie".

Magnolia married her high school sweetheart the late Lawrence Johnson on July 22,1959. They celebrated this union for 60 years and were blessed with three children.

Magnolia accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Middle Baptist Church – Whitehaven where she was a dutiful member who was always thankful to the Lord for each day despite the health challenges of her later years.

Magnolia graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1959 and served as the class secretary. After attending Lemoyne-Owen she was employed as a highly referred wig designer at Goldsmith’s (Macy’s) and later worked at GE – General Electric as a machinist.

With her beauty, style, and grace she engaged in performing arts, pageantry and modeling around the city, and was crowned the African American Queen for the Holiday on Ice.

In 1978, Magnolia was offered and accepted a position to become Tennessee’s 1st Female African American Barber Inspector for West Tennessee. This notable position encompassed travel, record keeping, communications (before the internet) and having the final say before a barber shop could open. She went on to pursue a full-time career in cosmetology working alongside her mother Birteal as co-owner of Birteal’s Beauty & Barber Shop which then became Birteal's & Magnolia's Style Shop. After Birteal's retirement in 1985 Magnolia became the sole proprietor under the name Magnolia's Style & Nail Shop.

Magnolia also enjoyed being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker who was an excellent cook. She enjoyed traveling and having FUN! Every day was a fun day for her as she carried herself as if she had no obstacles. She was the consummate hostess for a variety of gatherings in her home to include Bid Whist tournaments. She never met a stranger as she was kind to everyone she met. To know her was to love her as she was very compassionate and truly cared about others.

Magnolia leaves to cherish her memories, Spencer Darnell (Thelma) Johnson, DeVerne Elaine Johnson, and Eric Andre (Sharon) Johnson. She also leaves four grandchildren, Harold Johnson, Lawrence Johnson, Shanae Brown, and Karen Plunkett. Magnolia was blessed to share memories with her great grandchildren, Elijah Earl James Johnson, and Elise Magnolia Joy Johnson. She also leaves behind two sisters in love, Linda Birteal O'Neal, and DeVerne Johnson Howell, and a brother in love Harold (Atlene) Johnson. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by family, friends, neighbors, and church members.

A public viewing is scheduled for Friday May 19,2023 from 6:30pm until 8:00pm at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Service of celebration will be Saturday May 20, 11am at Middle Baptist Whitehaven 801 Whitehaven Ln. Internment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave.