1936
Essie
2017
Essie Johnson
August 22, 1936 — September 3, 2017
Essie Mae Johnson was born on August 22, 1936, in Rusk, Texas, to the late Vernon (Doc) Johnson and Mae Liza VanZandt Young.
She graduated from Rusk High School in 1954. She confessed Christ at an early age as a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Rusk, Texas. After moving to Dallas, Essie followed the pastorage of her uncle, Rev. E. Freeney, and attended Liberty Baptist Church, New Zion Baptist Church and New Rose Baptist Church. After her uncle’s demise, she joined Griggs Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
Essie was employed for over forty years with the Dallas Independent School District and retired in 1993. She was quiet, but had such a good sense of wit and humor, with a remarkable memory. She received so much joy from the phone conversations with her cousin, Hazel. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, she often attended numerous games with her son, Gary, and her special nephew, Harold. Also, she loved the Texas Rangers. She was a phenomenal cook and baker, with her own special recipes and quite often shared her goodies with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior Center, where she attended. Truly, we will miss the fellowship and celebrating the holidays with her wonderful meals.
She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, George C. Young; and brother, James Henry Lacy. Essie is survived by her son, Gary Johnson; daughter, Vernita Jo Johnson; six grandchildren, Johnny, Shemetris, D’Waylon, Micah, Gerald and Kiesha (Hudoll III); ten great-grandchildren, Aveion, Mekhai, Cailyn, Nevaeh, Graceon, D’Waylon Jr., Hudoll IV, Hazaiah, D’Kea and D’Lea; special nephews, Harold Lacy and Kelvin Lacy (Bonnie); godson, Markey Hamilton; sister-in-law, Jurline Lacy; uncle, Johnny Thompson (Jean); and a host of other relatives and friends.
She graduated from Rusk High School in 1954. She confessed Christ at an early age as a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Rusk, Texas. After moving to Dallas, Essie followed the pastorage of her uncle, Rev. E. Freeney, and attended Liberty Baptist Church, New Zion Baptist Church and New Rose Baptist Church. After her uncle’s demise, she joined Griggs Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
Essie was employed for over forty years with the Dallas Independent School District and retired in 1993. She was quiet, but had such a good sense of wit and humor, with a remarkable memory. She received so much joy from the phone conversations with her cousin, Hazel. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, she often attended numerous games with her son, Gary, and her special nephew, Harold. Also, she loved the Texas Rangers. She was a phenomenal cook and baker, with her own special recipes and quite often shared her goodies with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior Center, where she attended. Truly, we will miss the fellowship and celebrating the holidays with her wonderful meals.
She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, George C. Young; and brother, James Henry Lacy. Essie is survived by her son, Gary Johnson; daughter, Vernita Jo Johnson; six grandchildren, Johnny, Shemetris, D’Waylon, Micah, Gerald and Kiesha (Hudoll III); ten great-grandchildren, Aveion, Mekhai, Cailyn, Nevaeh, Graceon, D’Waylon Jr., Hudoll IV, Hazaiah, D’Kea and D’Lea; special nephews, Harold Lacy and Kelvin Lacy (Bonnie); godson, Markey Hamilton; sister-in-law, Jurline Lacy; uncle, Johnny Thompson (Jean); and a host of other relatives and friends.
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