Eleanor Edna Johnson

ELEANOR EDNA JOHNSON was born January 6, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Isaac Samuel McNair and Ethel Mae Jordan McNair. She departed this life peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026 after a battle with dementia. Eleanor was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating from Eastern High School in 1966. She later received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore in 1984. Eleanor proudly worked for the railroad during the era of the Chessie System and the historic B & O Railroad until their operations moved to Florida. She then continued her career with the federal government, retiring in 2011 as a Contract Officer. Eleanor lived in Japan for two years after accepting a work assignment – an experience that spoke to her willingness to step beyond the familiar and embrace responsibility wherever it led her. She followed her calling with resolve, meeting challenges head-on. Eleanor was a person of action – someone who got things done. In April 1973 she married Albert Guy Johnson. From this union they were blessed with beautiful daughters Shelley Nicole and Shana Monique. In August 2005 she was gifted with her only grandchild Sean Nathaniel. Eleanor was an avid sewer and quilter. She also enjoyed reading, listening to music and watching mystery/police procedural programs. She was preceded in death by her siblings Gordon Chase, Sheila Scott, Carol Garriques and Tyrone Simms. Eleanor leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Albert Johnson; daughters, Shelley Johnson Knox and Shana Johnson; grandson, Sean Knox; siblings, Stanford McNair, Della Pollock, Craig McNair (Ruth), Valerie Chase, Nadine Sewell and Walter Sewell; sister-in-law, Jean Boone; brothers-in-law, Jerry Johnson and Joe Johnson; several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Eleanor’s life was a testament to quiet strength, creativity, and steadfast devotion to both family and purpose. She was a woman who did not merely speak her values – she lived them, consistently and with intention. Creativity always flowed through Eleanor’s hands. An accomplished seamstress and quilter, she created beautiful suits, dresses, quilts and more that reflected both precision and soul. Her work was never rushed; it was thoughtful, well-matched, and expertly constructed. She had an unmistakable eye for color – and a talent for making colors speak to one another. As a proud member of the African American Quilters Guild of Baltimore, Eleanor not only contributed her artistry but also her leadership, serving faithfully as Treasurer. Music was her constant companion while she worked. Blues and old school classics filled her space – Nina Simone, Muddy Waters, and the sounds of Motown setting a rhythm that matched her steady, focused hands. There was history in the music she loved, and depth, much like Eleanor herself. As a wife and mother, Eleanor expressed her love through care, protection, and preparation. She made sure her daughters were well dressed, their hair always done, and their lives tended to with vigilance and pride. She was attentive, intentional, and deeply loyal to her family. Acts of service were her love language; she showed her devotion through giving, providing, and doing. Her personality balanced strength with warmth. Eleanor had a good sense of humor – slightly sarcastic, never cruel – and she did not offend easily. Born January 6th, a Capricorn through and through, she embodied reliability, determination, and quiet leadership. She collected Lenox and Lladro porcelain pieces, appreciating beauty that endures, much like the life she had built.

Tributes

Eleanor Edna Johnson

January 6, 1948 - February 1, 2026