Clara Virginia Johnson

On "Palm Sunday," March 20, 2005, at 9:53 p.m., CLARA VIRGINIA JOHNSON, also known as "Sadie," gave thanks to God for her life here on Earth as she moved from her earthly tabernacle to return home to be with God. Clara Virginia Chase was born to the late Harry and Martha Chase in Calvert County, Maryland on October 15, 1915. She was one of three siblings; one sister, Etta Chase Jennifer and one brother, William Chase preceded her in death. Clara attended school in Calvert County where she enjoyed spending time on her grandmother's tobacco's farm. She learned to cook at a very young age and cooking became a marketable skill as she worked many years for a prominent family in Calvert County. On August 31, 1934, she was joined in marriage to Milford J. Johnson. Five years later, they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Patricia Ann Johnson, born May 9, 1939. Soon after, they decided to move to Baltimore for pursue greater employment opportunities. Initially, upon arrival in Baltimore, Clara worked at Delvale Ice Cream Parlor but eventually returned home to become a housewife and mother. She later gave birth to her second daughter, Regina Mae Johnson, January 19, 1944 and her only son, Milford Van Johnson, born November 2, 1949. Her nurturing skills for mothering reached beyond her own children as she also raised one granddaughter, Myra M. Harris. Clara prided herself on her immaculate housekeeping. She was the epitome of a homemaker. Cleaning and caring for her home became her pride and joy. She was known for making sure everything was in its rightful place. She loved and enjoyed decorating her home with the finest amenities. All who knew her immediately recognized her passion for cleanliness and order. Even until her demise, she was very clear about the order and management of her immediate environment. She was an outstanding grandparent and often babysat for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and one grand niece, Dr. Nefertiti Harmon Durant. All children learned to play dominoes because of "Clara;" it was her "best kept" babysitting secret. In her later years, arthritis and other medical concerns made it impossible for her to be mobile but she remained strong spirited and grew to know the Lord. Although she was unable to attend a church due to her disability, during a home prayer meeting in 2003, Clara rededicated her life to Christ. From that day forward, she spent all of her days enjoying television ministries, learning and seeking God. Clara leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Patricia M. Chapman, Regina M. Murrell and son, Milford Van Johnson; granddaughter, Myra Harris; grandson, Grover Murrell, Jr.; great-grandson, Alonzo Ramsey; daughter-in-law, Angela Payne Johnson; son-in-law, Grover Murrell, Sr.; and a host of relatives and friends.

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Clara Virginia Johnson

October 15, 1915 - March 20, 2005