Norma S. Johnson

Norma Marvelle Swope was born on December 17, 1924 in Sun, West Virginia to Mary Bowles Swope and James Swope. She passed from this life on August 19, 2008.She was educated in Mount Hope, West Virginia, displaying at a young age the academic brilliance for which she was known for much of her life. She was graduated from high school at the tender age of fourteen and completed her degree at Bennett College in 1942. Later in life, she pursued her Masters degree at Morgan State College. She married Wallace Johnson in 1947. They were blessed with two children from this union, Noreen Elizabeth and Wallace Robert, Jr. She was an avid reader, and passed on her love of reading to her daughter, son and granddaughter. Her home was a source of pride and she decorated it with her own unique flair for style and color. Her love of family extended to all, especially her beloved god daughter, Kathleen Brown Parham. Kathleen spent many summers with her family and is the sister and life long friend to Noreen. The entire family enjoyed long road trips every summer and frequently visited her home in the West Virginia mountains.She taught science in Baltimore City Public Schools. Her career was tragically cut short by illness and she retired from the school system in 1960. In addition to her loving family, she enjoyed special bonds of friendship with Delcie, Fletcher, Doris, Esther, Ruby and others. They were with her in sickness and in health. She also had a strong spiritual life despite her illness and would frequently attend worship services at Holy Trinity in Northwest Baltimore. She also received communion and prayer from her adopted church family at New Imani Community Church.She is survived by her daughter, Noreen Warren, her son, Wallace Johnson, Jr., four grandchildren, Mary “Libbie” Christy, David Grandberry, IV, Cullen Cook, III and Ava-Maria Johnson, and three great grandchildren, Ethan Christy, Ambriehl Christy and Nicoletta Grandberry and a host of family and friends.“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,“When sorrows, like sea billows, roll;“What ever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,“It is well, it is well with my soul.”~ We love you, Mom. ~

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Norma S. Johnson

December 17, 1924 - August 19, 2008