Rita Ann Doss Johnson

Obituary For Rita Ann Doss Johnson

Rita Ann Doss Johnson was born on November 3, 1925 in Magnolia, Arkansas to Tommie Fenter Doss and Elmer Luther Doss, Sr. She attended Trinity CME Church in Magnolia where her mother served as the musician and her father served as a Steward. Rita passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020 in Marietta, GA.

After graduating high school at the age of 16, she enrolled at Arkansas Agricultural Mechanical and Normal College at Pine Bluff, graduating, Cum Laude at the age of 19. She was also inducted into the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. She furthered her education earning her Master’s Degree in Home Economics at Ohio State University. Upon graduation, she accepted a teaching position at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she would meet Walter Lee Johnson and later become his bride. They married in 1950 and moved to Champaign, Illinois, where he pursued and earned his Doctorate Degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Illinois.

Rita and Walter moved to Tallahassee, Florida in 1953 after Walter received a job offer from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). While living in Polkinghorne Village, Rita worked at FAMU in the Registrar’s Office. As an educator, Rita began her career as an elementary art teacher at Griffin Middle School. Many of her former students fondly remember her today. She also taught elementary art at many Leon County Schools to include, Leonard Wesson, Kate Sullivan, W.T. Moore, Sealey and Chaires. She was later employed at Florida State University’s Developmental Research School (Florida High) where she taught elementary art and high school home economics. She completed her 36-year teaching career, retiring in 1983.

Rita, an accomplished potter, enjoyed this hobby for more than 20 years. She would regularly take pottery classes at FAMU and eventually established a studio at home where she spent numerous hours creating beautiful works of art. She could always be seen displaying and selling her works at Springtime Tallahassee, Market Days and numerous art shows in the area malls. Through all of her family commitments and hobbies, she always had a desire for healthy living. Exercise was a part of her daily routine that she followed religiously. After retirement, she could be found at the FAMU track as early as 6:00 AM for her daily four-mile walk. Many of her friends would accompany her on the morning walk and these friends affectionately called themselves “The Early Risers.”

While Tallahassee was her home, she was an avid traveler. Some of her travels took her to the southern and western Caribbean, Ghana and South Africa. In the community, Rita was a 70-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She served as a member of Delta Kappa Omega Chapter where she achieved the status of Pearl (65+ years) and Life member. She was a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators, the Kate Sullivan Retirees Club and the FAMU Retirees Club. Rita held membership in Tallahassee at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. At Bethel, she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Rita relocated to Marietta, Georgia in 2014 and found second homes at Turner Chapel AME Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Zeta Omega Chapter.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Johnson Jackson, Tommye Campbell, her son-in-law Threadwell “TC” Campbell, Jr., her grandchildren, Trenton Evan Campbell, Tommye Elyse Campbell, Theodore Campbell, Thomas Campbell (Serena), Terrence Campbell, Sr. (Toya), two nieces, Kathleen Johnson Bailey, Gwendolyn Doss Carter, two loving caregivers Philomena Whitt and Joyce Mbogori.

Graveside service will be 11 AM, Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Southside Cemetery, 3484 Capital Circle, SW, Tallahassee, FL 32310. Viewing will be Monday, September 28, 2020 from 11 AM to 6 PM at Strong & Jones Funeral Home. Services will be live streamed on Youtube.