Ollie Johnson

Ollie Mae Johnson

On August 17, 2020 the light of our beloved mother Ollie was dimmed on this earth. But she gained her wings of strength and beauty. As the gates of Heaven opened to receive her, all Heaven rejoiced as they received such a beautiful and caring angel.

She was born Ollie Mae Brooks on May 16, 1934 to the parents of the late Pharisee & Clara Brooks of Elmo, TX. She attended the Shady Grove Community Elementary School in Elmo, TX. She later attended Pyle High School in Kaufman, TX.  She was known as “The girl with the million dollar smile.” She later moved to Dallas where she attended a Catholic School to further her education.

She later met and married the late Rev. Edell Heggins of Dallas, TX, in which 7 children were born. Later on in her life she met and married the late Travis Johnson of Marshall, TX, corporal in the U. S. Air Force and was honorably discharged July 8, 1950 at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts.

At an early age she was a member of the New Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Terrell, TX., under the leadership of the late J. R. Mitchell.   Later she joined True Lee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Robert L. Parish, Sr., where she has been a faithful member, devoted to her church, she served in the choir, the culinary committee, served on the mission board and very outspoken when referencing God and His word. She always said “we have to always help those in need.”

Ollie was a hard worker where she was employed with The Simmons Mattress Co. and later with The Loews Anatole (now the Hilton Anatole), where she worked in the banquet department for over 20 years and retired. She had no problem letting you know when a table was set wrong or what setting goes in what order.

Ollie transitioned to glory and received not just her wings, but received the ultimate reward of victory. She was preceded in death by her parents: Pharisee and Clara Brooks, husband Travis Johnson, daughters Robin Sanford of Florida and Debra Williams of Dallas, TX., son Raydell Heggins of Dallas, TX., step-daughter Marshann Williams of Hartford, Ct., sister Curley Baker of Terrell, TX., and brother Lenzy Charles Brooks (Uncle LC) of Dallas, TX.

She leaves to cherish her memories: sons Samuel Heggins (Josey) of Irving, TX., Gerald Heggins of Dallas, TX., daughters Kismet Heggins of Desoto, TX., Rose Johnson (Clarence) of Lewisville, TX., step-son Travis Morris of Chicago, IL., seven sisters: Virginia Clemmons, Eulah Brooks, Vera Shaw and Alberta Gipson all of Dallas, TX., Marie Boyce of Desoto, TX., Lavonne Henderson and Druella Talbert both of Terrell, TX., and 2 brothers: Pharisee Brooks of San Diego, CA. and Sylvester Brooks of Compton, CA., 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.