Ruth Elizabeth Johnson

Ruth E. Johnson, 80, was born March 16, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Charlotte Ellis and James Edward Wright. She was called home by the Master and was selected to be amongst the angels on Friday morning, August 15, 2014. God called his Angel home away from her pain and suffering, her body could no longer keep pace with her spirit; therefore she began her journey home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James A. Johnson Sr. Ruth was educated in the Richmond Public School System and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1954. “Gran-Gran”, as she was affectionately known, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age at Cedar Street Baptist Church and was a member of the choir and served as a Sunday School Teacher. She remained a member there until she transferred her membership to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. She served in many ministries at the church until her health began to fail. Ruth was formerly employed at MCV as the head supervisor in the dietary department. That is where she met the love of her life and married James A. Johnson, Sr. on May 14, 1956. From that union there were seven children born. She also was a domestic worker for the late Judge Thomas Gordon. She enjoyed latch-hooking when time permitted when she was not shopping, eating or listening to gospel music. She truly loved a great laugh and good times, listening to her favorite gospel songs and reminiscing always brought a huge smile to her face, Two of her favorite songs are “Take Me to the King” and “I’m Just a Nobody”. Ruth was beautiful, elegant, humorous, loving, nurturing, faithful and committed to her family, friends, church and community. She was a member of Amanda Tents #43, a bonding of sisterhood providing service to the community. Ruth joyously was a member of the Red Hat Society where they went out monthly to explore the city while having fun, always wearing a red hat. She was also a member of the Willing Workers, the organization that traveled together, helped people in need and served as Treasurer. Ruth was a great mother who supported her family by working in the home which she did all of her life. She made sure that everyone around her was okay. She was the glue you found in every crack, bringing support to others by a phone call, visit, or a hug. This was her ministry and is indeed her legacy. Ruth made friends wherever she went. She was a loving, caring person that was outspoken, funny that shared a unique and astounding relationship with each of her grands. She absolutely adored her family, immediate and extended, and worked tirelessly within the community. Those who knew Ruth also knew that she was all about supporting and assisting those close to her heart. She was a community activist that welcomed the neighborhood children into her home. Her extended family knew her as the “community mother” a woman that they could come to in a time of need. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother sister, aunt and loving friend leaves to cherish her precious memory 4 daughters, Gloria Broidy, Jacqueline Johnson, Vivian Johnson “Hattie” (devoted) and Emily Moore; 3 sons, James Johnson Jr., Wilbert Johnson Sr., and Godfrey Johnson (Monica); 12 grandchildren, one devoted Michael Johnson “Skeeter”; 22 great-grandchildren; one devoted Keia Johnson; caring siblings, Erma Kenney and Major Wright; 5 sisters-n-laws; two brothers-in-law; a host of other relatives and friends, including loving friend, Claudette Thomas. She has many other family and friends to carry on her life through story-telling and remembrance.

Tributes

Ruth Elizabeth Johnson

March 16, 1934 - August 15, 2014