Ora Johnson

Obituary For Ora Johnson

Ora Lee Johnson, 91, was the youngest of ten children born to the late Charlie and Rosie Bell Foote. She was
affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Granny.” Ora Lee confessed her belief in Christ at an
early age while growing up in Way, MS, and later united with St. Luther Missionary Baptist Church under
the leadership of Rev. Dr., W.D. Carr. In 1974 she would become one of the founding members of New
Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Carr after his passing she remained a faithful
member of New Bethel continuing her service under the leadership of Rev. F.R. Lenor. For years she
served on the nurses’ Board and because of her faithful service she was a member of the Mother’s
Board and she was proud to be called Mother Johnson by her church family and friends. Ora Lee was
educated in Canton Public School System and continued her education at Cambell College.
In her children’s formative years, Ora Lee was a homemaker and an amazing cook. She loved her family
and often hosted family reunions. Her happiest times were when she could talk, argue and laugh with
her siblings, and all her extended family.
She worked for many years at Methodist Children Home caring for infants and toddlers waiting to be
adopted. After leaving Methodist Children Home, she continued her career caring for infants at St.
Dominic Hospital Daycare until she retired. Although it was her plan to come home and relax, her
grandchildren and great grandchildren needed her to love and care for them. For nearly 40 years she
was an Avon Sales Representative.
On March 25, 1951, Ora Lee united in holy matrimony to the late James Earl Johnson. To this union six
children were born. She was proceeded in death by three of her children, Deloris Harris, Brenda McAfee,
and Janet Eubanks.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children, James (DeAnna) Johnson, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Carl
(Virginia) Johnson of Jackson, MS and Eleanor Faye Peterson of Jackson, MS; one sister-in-law, Marie
Calvin; thirteen loving and devoted grandchildren, Rodney Johnson, Tandra Dodd, Ora “LaTarsha”
Johnson, Walter McAfee, Jr., James Johnson, III, Brandon Johnson, Courtney Johnson, Marcus Johnson,
Jamie Eubanks, Cory Johnson, Christopher Peterson, Hali Peterson and Abigail Johnson; sixteen great
grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her
neighbors of O’Bannon Drive for over 60-years, her extended church family and her especially Demetris
(Dee Dee) who lovingly cared for her during her extended illness.