Lois B. Johnson

Diva Lois B. Johnson - quoted from her Five Last Wishes – “I want people to remember me as I was.” The Diva, as affectionately called by her family and closest friends, was born Lois Elizabeth Payne in Goochland County, Virginia to the union of Reuben Payne and Elizabeth Dennis on June 28, 1937. Lois held the distinction of being the eldest of four children and the only girl. Her early education took place in a wooden schoolhouse where all ages attended in one room. As a youth the family moved to the “big city” – Richmond- where she continued her education in the Richmond City public school system. Lois was always an activist and one who would defy the status quo when it infringed upon the civil rights of her own people. So at the tender age of 14, in 1951, she boycotted a Richmond city bus when she said, “why should I go to the back of the bus when there is a seat up front”. After refusing to move, and much talk back, the woman seated beside her got up and got off of the bus at the next stop. Lois had won her first battle for history and change in America. This was four years before our beloved Rosa Parks boycotted a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. At the age of 18 she married Dennis Lowell Brown and started a family. By the time she was in her early 30’s she was once again fighting for the rights of the people when she cracked the ceiling for black waitresses to be given a fair chance at being hired in upscale restaurants. She was the first black woman hired at The Flying Cloud, initially as a bar girl and soon thereafter as a waitress “on the floor”, which was unheard of, after staging a one woman strike for several hours. That day she was promoted! Lois always wanted to be a model so at the age of 43 she tried out for a citywide models casting call. She pulled together something out of her closet, practiced her walk and then went to the audition fearing her age would not allow her to be chosen when she saw young women in their 20’s. But having that tenacious spirit she auditioned, and of course she was chosen. That was the start of her extraordinary dream fulfilled, the birthing of that unmistakable Thais Productions European-style runway walk, and an illustrious modeling career that lasted until she was in her mid-seventies. Most of her shows were done for charitable events to help fund worthy causes such as The American Heart Association, Marine Corps Wives Club, The Washington Redskins (Commanders), numerous churches, and the like. Lois worked for AT&T for many years, and retired from Lucent Technologies, as they were called by that time. She has remained friends with many of her co-workers throughout the years. She especially loved to tell the stories of how they would play Bid Whist on their lunch break. Lois loved family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin to so many during her time as the matriarch of this family. She never let anything happen to or any need go unmet for anyone whom she loved, especially her children. She was a faithful friend to all in her circle. Lois loved Jesus! She was a faithful member of Cedar Street Baptist Church under her dear Pastor, Rev. Robinson. At the mention of the Name of Jesus she would quicken and lift up her hands in praise. The last months, weeks, days and hours she was sustained by her faith. She told Jesus, “I’m coming, but not today, but I’m coming” a few days prior to peacefully drifting off to sleep in His loving arms at the age of 87. The Diva leaves behind to carry on her legacy six children, Sheryl Harris (Eddie), Dennis Brown, Alan Brown, Mosghetti Brown (Shreta), Esposito Brown (Barbara) and Shawn Brown. Six grands, Thais Jones (David), Clinton Hill,Jr (Tiffany), Morgan Wills, Quenton Brown (April), Shawn Brown Jr., and Dominique Brown. Twelve great grands and one great-great grand, two brothers William Payne and Moschetti Payne; and a host of extended family and friends, including devoted friend and caregiver Regina “Gigi” Ragin. The Diva quietly transitioned in her own home answering the final call of the Lord to “Come” on Saturday, June 7,2025. She was tired of the burden of fighting to live towards the end. She always made sure that her wishes were clear of how she chose to be cared for, and how she wanted to live and die. She wasn’t afraid of death. In fact she was anxious to see Jesus for herself. She answered the final call with the grace and dignity befitting a saint of God. Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

Tributes

Lois B. Johnson

June 28, 1937 - June 7, 2025