Bessie Lena Johnson

Obituary of Bessie Lightfoot Johnson Bessie Lena Lightfoot Johnson was born July 19, 1925 to the late Daniel and Viola Lightfoot in Sandston, Virginia. She loved the Lord and developed a personal relationship with Him which she happily shared with everyone she met. One of her fondest memories was the day she was baptized which she stated she would never forget because it was also the day her twin brothers were born. Bessie was an avid reader and graduated from Virginia Randolph School. After graduation she married the late Wallace Johnson, Sr., and together they raised seven (7) Children. Although she worked outside the home she was a gifted homemaker and cook. She loved flowers and her yard was noted for its many plants and colorful flowers. Bessie will always be remembered for the homemade rolls she baked every Sunday and her famous lemon chess pie. She loved her church and her Rising Mount Zion Church family where she was a willing worker. Her many gifts included singing in the Senior Choir, Sunday school teacher, member of Church Dinner Committee and Vacation Bible School Principal. Bessie emphasized learning bible verses to the students as well as her own children as she recognized the importance of knowing the Word as well as reading the Word. She also worked with the Missionary Committee sending out cards of inspiration to the sick and shut in. Her later years were filled with her friends at the Henrico Senior Citizen group playing games, doing puzzles and word searches and making crafts. However, her greatest enjoyment came from taking pictures and she was affectionately nick-named “Flash Gordon” by her family. She never left home without her camera and loved taking pictures at every occasion, especially birthday gatherings and birthday cakes. Bessie is survived by her seven(7) children: Major (Gloria),Phillip,Sr.(Carolyn),Vanestle(Leon),Wallace H.Jr.,(Yvette),Selena(Ralph),Randy(Elizabeth)and Alan(Carolyn). She also leaves behind five (5) siblings:Luella,Howard,Maxwell,Wilber(Dorothy),and Gilbert(Constance);sister-in-law,Estelle Hudgins. She was preceded in death by her brother,Herman Lighfoot. She also leaves many grandchildren,great grandchildren,nieces and nephews as well as a hosts of other relatives and friends She may be gone in body,but she lives forever in our hearts. We still can hear her saying words from one of her favorite hymns: "Must Jesus bear the Cross alone and all the world go free No there's a cross for everyone and there's a cross for me. The consecrated cross I'll bear till death shall set me free And then go home my crown to wear,for there is a crown for me."

Tributes

Bessie Lena Johnson

July 19, 1925 - November 9, 2014