Denise Johnson

Denise Wanda Ross Johnson, much beloved daughter of Mrs. Louie Grissom Ross and the late Clarence Thomas Ross was born on March 26, 1951 in Baltimore, MD.Always adventurous, Denise displayed a love for learning that never ceased. While in her mother’s care she ran away to try to attend School at age 3. As a young child she was often found in the company of her elders –gleaming knowledge of everything from cooking to gardening to plumbing. Denise displayed talents that made her wise beyond her years. She attended the University of Maryland, Howard County Community College and received her Bachelors of Science in Microcomputer Systems Management in 1994 from Potomac College. Denise was a commissioned Notary for over fifteen years, a licensed Realtor and a member of Toastmasters. She continued her post graduate studies with classes as often as she could.A dedicated worker, Denise was employed as an Asset Management Analyst at General Electric Information Services Rockville, MD for nineteen years and most recently employed by Locust Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia, MD as her health permitted. An exemplary employee, she was recognized with several awards of achievement.With a “servant’s heart” – Denise was a devoted and valued member of organizations like the Howard County General Hospital Volunteers, Rave Review, Howard County Board of Elections Judge, and lay organization at Payne Memorial AME Church. She enjoyed traveling and visited many countries and counted the Virgin Islands among her favorites.Of all the roles Denise excelled at the role of devoted wife, mother and grandmother was her passion. Denise married the love of her life and companion of over thirty-five years Benjamin A. Johnson on November 23, 1979, and they shared in the raising of their blended family which included Darryl, Sharron, Quintina, and Tracy.Sensing the importance of a greater outward show of her faith – Denise baptized into the Payne Memorial AME family on December 19, 2004. She shared her faith in a free and easy going manner and greeted everyone a warm embrace and her signature smile.Denise was a person of many and varied interest. She was a true example of dignity, strength and courage.Without a complaint on her lips and in the company of family and friends – Denise quietly and peacefully slipped away on October 23, 2005.She leaves behind to treasure her memory: her husband Benjamin A. Johnson; son, Darryl Lamont Ross; daughter, Sharron Maxine Ross Edwards; two step children, Quintina Johnson Williams and Tracy Johnson; grandchildren, Selina Ross, Darryl Lamont Ross Jr.; Glenn Lamont Edwards, Amber Ross; Aesha Tamzymore and Enrico Simms. Her mother Louie Grissom Ross; two sisters Evelyn Darby and Marilyn Moses. Five sisters-in-law, Joan Mason, Brenda Manokey, Connie Greene, Mary Chase, and Jeanette Gaither. Four brothers-in-law, Robert Moses; Michael Manokey, Robert Chase, Barry Johnson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence Thomas Ross Jr. One great aunt, McCanner Perry and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and two of her long-time best friends, Odessa Lisborg and Wanda Brown and a host of devoted friends.

Tributes

Denise Johnson

March 26, 1951 - October 23, 2005