Corinne D.F. Johnson

CORINNE DOYLE FRY JOHNSON was born on March 26, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland, the second of four children, to the late Richard Augustus and Maude Butler Fry. She left this world to spend eternity with the Father on July 9, 2006 after a lengthy hospitalization. She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore in 1940 and from Morgan State University in 1944 with a major in History. After briefly teaching in the Baltimore City public school system, she married the late William Calvin Johnson on August 11, 1946. From this union was born one son, Spencer Fry Johnson. Corinne's primary goal was to raise her family, nuclear and extended, through counsel, emotional support, and an active participation in their lives. She was very supportive of her husband as he broke the color barriers and became one of the first Black government scientists. She was especially active in her son's schooling and inspired him to complete his medical education. She had an acerbic and sometimes eccentric wit that masked a deep tenderness and sensitivity. She had both a keen mind and wisdom which she was not shy about sharing. Without question, she was candid. Her frankness could at times be cutting, but one could always sense her unconditional love and truth. More often than not, that frankness was received in the spirit in which it was intended. The proof lies in the fact that her candor and wisdom were often sought out repeatedly. Corinne had many interesting skills. Among them, she was an avid gardener, an antique expert, furniture and wood restorer and dressmaker. She spent a countless number of hours toiling in her garden and nurturing a variety of plant life to health. As well, she collected invaluable pieces of porcelain and furniture from numerous periods, many of which were of museum quality. Whether it was creating through dressmaking, or restoring hidden treasures through restoration, each demonstrated her caring sense of commitment. She valued friends and family and found beauty in those things that many tend to discard. She leaves to mourn her passing and to celebrate her life: son, Spencer F. Johnson, M.D; daughter-in-law, Dr. Judie Johnson; grandchildren, Jasmine Corinne Johnson and Maurice Walker; great-granddaughter, Adia Walker; niece, Erica Fry Cryor; great-niece, Tamera Monroe; nephews, Theophilus Reynolds, Gary Reynolds and Nathan Reynolds; surrogate children, James C. Wyatt and Jacqueline Rose, M.D; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.

Tributes

Corinne D.F. Johnson

March 26, 1922 - July 9, 2006