Sharon Rae Johnson

Sharon Rae Johnson, the elder daughter of the late Dr. Harold Ray and Mary Johnson was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 16,1952. Sharon was raised by a loving family, and had an unfaltering spirit despite her courageous battle with multiple sclerosis for more than forty years. She passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. At a very young age, her family moved to Baltimore where Sharon attended Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Western High School. Sharon grew up in Union Baptist Church, where her family was very active. Her Aunt Erma Meachem taught Sunday School and her mother participated in many church committees and functions which Sharon attended. Her summers were spent in Cape May, NJ where her parents had a tradition of staying in a motel owned by a close friend who attended Hampton Institute with them. Sharon never wondered where she would attend college; she always knew she would go to Hampton Institute, the alma mater of her parents. While at Hampton, Sharon was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she was an active member of the Gamma Theta chapter. She was affectionately known as "Bozo" because of her reddish- brown hair and "Granny" because of her eyeglasses. In 1974, Sharon received a B.S. degree in mathematics. After graduating from Hampton, she took courses at George Washington University while working as a computer programmer for the Social Security Administration. This was Sharon’s only job after graduating from Hampton until she retired. An avid reader as well as a trivia and sports enthusiast, Sharon’s favorite pastimes were watching collegiate basketball, professional football, and tennis. Friends and family members would join Sharon to watch the games. Throughout her battle with multiple sclerosis, Sharon’s life was a testament to resilience and grace. She faced her illness with unwavering strength and a positive attitude, inspiring all who knew her. Sharon was predeceased by her parents. She leaves behind a sister, Mary Rowena (“Ena”) Johnson, cousin Allen Meacham and his wife Debbie, and many second cousins and friends.

Tributes

Sharon Rae Johnson

November 16, 1952 - September 9, 2025