Loretta Johnson

The Early Years On August 4, 1943 was a day that heaven would birth one of earth's greatest voices, Loretta Lee Johnson. She was born to the late Mildred Glover-Anderson and John Mc Bride in Baltimore, Maryland. A true gift to the church comprised of love, kindness, and compassion. She was the oldest of nine children. The teenage Loretta McBride was educated in the Baltimore City School System. Upon graduating from Dunbar High School, Loretta began working for the Department of Social Services in Baltimore City as a client representative. Charles C. Johnson admired the beauty of Loretta, which yielded a union in Holy wedlock on July 30, 1977 until Charles' transitioned from earth to glory. The Beginning of Ministry After a near death experience in the late 1970's it became evident that the call on her life was greater than a palmist. Following this life-threating occurrence, she finally accepted her call to pastoring. Through much prayer and supplication, the ministry of Wailing Walls Full Gospel Deliverance Church was birthed in the spring of 1986. She started her ministry in her Ensor street row home and watched God bless her obedience. Apostle Estelle Davis of Mass Deliverance Church in Washington, D.C confirmed her call to the pastorate in the winter of 1986. The affirmation of Pastor Johnson's call became apparent when God opened up doors to work professionally at the Christian Broadcasting Network. Through her experience at the 700 Club she diversified her opportunities and strengthened her passion for music. The hand of the Lord was on Pastor Johnson as God added to the church and expanded her music ministry. Pastor Johnson was afforded the opportunity to become the lead singer of "The Deliverance Specials." As the church began to grow, God provided houses of worship that accommodated Wailing Walls ministry needs. It was truly an atmosphere of deliverance, healing, and breakthrough. Wailings Walls became a place where dreams were produced, visions became seen, and spiritual dimensions were reached. Pastor Johnson’s vision propelled Wailing Walls into a ministry that exceeded her wildest expectations. Education Pastor Johnson’s desire to complete her education was an important goal and she sought to academically supplement what she learned in private study. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in management from Baltimore City Community College. Through this educational experience, she furthered developed her creative passion of fashion design. Through mentorships provided by the Women’s Entrepreneur League of Baltimore, she became a master seamstress. As her ministry grew she became a certified counselor and Bible Seminary teacher. The Elevation Undoubtedly, Pastor Johnson’s faith was increased and energy renewed, however, God would be seeking more from his humble servant. After serving diligently at her local church, God elevated her to the office of an Apostle. This hallmark moment was witness by many and filled with great celebration. Pastor Johnson accepted the office humbly as she began to walk in her spiritual adulthood. Although the challenges of ministry had multiplied, she took on the challenge to face the twenty-first century problems of drug and alcohol addiction, unwed motherhood, child abuse, etc. A Phenomenal Woman Apostle Loretta Johnson was loved by her family, by her church, and by her community. She made her transition on Sunday, March 2, 2014 around her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory and to honor her legacy eleven children: six daughters, Rochelle, Monique, Ayesha, Vivian, Lanora, LaShawn; five sons, Donal, Charles Jr., Antonio, James, and Durrell; eight siblings, Iota Mae, James, John Jr. Ernestine, Ronald, Robert Jr. Bernadette, and Johnette; two sons-in-law, Travis and Michael; three daughters-in-law, Kendra, Katina, and Janet; seven sisters-in-law, seven brothers-in-law, thirty grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, forty plus nieces and nephews; close good friends, Sister Helen, Ms. Shelia, Sis. Evelyn, Ms. Hattie, Bro. James and Ms. Joyce and a host of clergy friends all across the United States.

Tributes

Loretta Johnson

August 4, 1952 - March 2, 2014