Lelia O. Ransom

Lelia O. Ransom was born in Prince George County, Virginia on April 5, 1915. She was the second of eight children born to the late Walter Bruce Johnson and Gertrude Estelle Johnson (Harrison). Five of her siblings preceded her in death. GOD, through HIS infinite wisdom, allowed her to join HIM while comfortable at home on January 20, 2005.The Johnson family moved to Richmond Virginia when Lelia was a young child. She was educated in the Richmond public schools, graduating from Armstrong High School in 1933. Lelia received her early religious training, and was baptized, at the Mosby Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. In 1934, Lelia married Linwood Henry Ransom and this union, which lasted until his death in 1965, produced twelve children-six males and six females. She was preceded in death by three of her children - Ruby M., William A. and Walter B. and two grandchildren - William Albert and Dischelle Britto.The Ransom family settled in Baltimore in the early 1940's. Lelia worked, for a while, at the American Can Company and later in a grocery store, which she and her husband operated in East Baltimore. Momma, as she was affectionately known to many, made her mark as a care giver for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the children of others. Momma’s greatest legacy is the loving and positive impact she has on her family and the children she baby-sat over the last fifty years. Her lasting influence was due to her calm, loving, and patient demeanor as well as her quick wit. Momma always displayed the encouraging quality of great inner strength and she was never one to complain.Lelia joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church, during the Pastorate of the late Reverend Clarence Poole, and was regular in attendance even when challenged by her health. In 1980 she was honored as one of “Ebenezer’s Best”, Momma enjoyed traveling around the United States with several of her children and frequently visiting her relatives in the Richmond area. The wives and husbands of her children have always considered themselves as her daughters and sons - never as in-laws. In fact, her great cooking cemented the relationship she enjoyed with the husbands of several daughters. She also enjoyed celebrating the achievements of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.Honoring her memory and legacy are Linwood H. (Jr.) and Joan, James E. and Rita, Robert E. and Dorothy, Virginia E. and Claude Lindsey, Geraldine L. and George Thomas, Delores J. and Lawrence Killette, Helen M. and Earl Smith Jr., and her youngest daughter and son, Lelia O. Thompson and Reginald E.; three daughters-in love, Christine Thomas Ransom, Minnie Jones Ransom and Deborah Ransom; two devoted sisters, Gracie Booker and Beatrice Harrison of Richmond, VA; a brother-in-law, Joshua Booker of Richmond, VA; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Johnson of Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Christine Johnson of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; twenty-seven grandchildren, forty seven great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; forty-seven great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

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Lelia O. Ransom

April 5, 1915 - January 20, 2005