Obituary for Thelma C. Johnson
Thelma Cordelia Christopher Johnson, daughter of the late Johnnie Newton Christopher and Gracie Quarles Christopher was born June 22, 1921 in the Fort Pickett area of Nottoway County, Virginia, where she also grew up and attended public schools. She was the oldest of seven siblings: Ellen Agnes, Fledia Louise, Weldon Washington, Shirley Alease, Fitzhugh Roosevelt and Christinia Thomasine.
In 1933, at the age of twelve, Thelma accepted Christ at the old Springhill Baptist Church in the Fort Pickettt area. She loved the Lord and served Him with gladness, attending Sunday School, joining the Senior Usher Board in May 1943 and ushering for over fifty years (later becoming an honorary member in 2000). She also served diligently as a deaconess from 1984 until her health declined.
She was especially instrumental in caring for her cousin Clarence Fitzgerald who was vision impaired.
In 1957 and 1958, Thelma took a correspondence course in nursing and was successful in receiving her cap, diploma and seal. She worked in various nursing facilities, spending twenty-one years at Central State Hospital until her retirement. She used her God-given gift to care for the infirmed with great compassion and dignity. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and gardening—all of which she lovingly shared with family, friends and her community.
Thelma also had an intense love for her family. She always spoke proudly of all her loved ones, especially her children, nieces and nephews, always encouraging them to excel in life and to be proud of their accomplishments. With a humble spirit and pleasant smile, Thelma reflected her Christian values by seeking to help others, never complaining but always grateful for every opportunity to serve and appreciative as well of everything others did for her.
On December 28, 1958, she married Deacon Waverly Johnson, Sr. She was blessed with four children whom she adored from his previous marriage.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Waverly Johnson, Sr.; sisters, Agnes Thomas and Fledia Woodson; brothers, Weldon Christopher and Fitzhugh Christopher.
Thelma Cordelia Christopher Johnson leaves to cherish her memories: four children, Rebecca Peterson, Lula Johnson, Earl Johnson (Joyce) and Waverly Johnson, Jr. (Yong); daughter-in-law, Diane Johnson; eight grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley C. Shelton and Christinia C. Farmer (Chester); adopted family sister, Darlene Snowden; brother-in-law, Leslie McKinley Woodson, Sr.; sisters-in-law Mattie Christopher, Laura Christopher and Lula W. Branch; five generations of loving nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and friends. Survivors also include three devoted, loving caregivers: Les Woodson, Jr., nephew; Garnette Ballatt-Brooks, niece; and Darlene Snowden, adopted family sister; and a very loving and special friend, Mamie Morgan.
Funeral Services Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Springhill Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Poplar Lawn Baptist Church Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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Funeral Services Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Springhill Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Poplar Lawn Baptist Church Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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In 1933, at the age of twelve, Thelma accepted Christ at the old Springhill Baptist Church in the Fort Pickettt area. She loved the Lord and served Him with gladness, attending Sunday School, joining the Senior Usher Board in May 1943 and ushering for over fifty years (later becoming an honorary member in 2000). She also served diligently as a deaconess from 1984 until her health declined.
She was especially instrumental in caring for her cousin Clarence Fitzgerald who was vision impaired.
In 1957 and 1958, Thelma took a correspondence course in nursing and was successful in receiving her cap, diploma and seal. She worked in various nursing facilities, spending twenty-one years at Central State Hospital until her retirement. She used her God-given gift to care for the infirmed with great compassion and dignity. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and gardening—all of which she lovingly shared with family, friends and her community.
Thelma also had an intense love for her family. She always spoke proudly of all her loved ones, especially her children, nieces and nephews, always encouraging them to excel in life and to be proud of their accomplishments. With a humble spirit and pleasant smile, Thelma reflected her Christian values by seeking to help others, never complaining but always grateful for every opportunity to serve and appreciative as well of everything others did for her.
On December 28, 1958, she married Deacon Waverly Johnson, Sr. She was blessed with four children whom she adored from his previous marriage.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Waverly Johnson, Sr.; sisters, Agnes Thomas and Fledia Woodson; brothers, Weldon Christopher and Fitzhugh Christopher.
Thelma Cordelia Christopher Johnson leaves to cherish her memories: four children, Rebecca Peterson, Lula Johnson, Earl Johnson (Joyce) and Waverly Johnson, Jr. (Yong); daughter-in-law, Diane Johnson; eight grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley C. Shelton and Christinia C. Farmer (Chester); adopted family sister, Darlene Snowden; brother-in-law, Leslie McKinley Woodson, Sr.; sisters-in-law Mattie Christopher, Laura Christopher and Lula W. Branch; five generations of loving nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and friends. Survivors also include three devoted, loving caregivers: Les Woodson, Jr., nephew; Garnette Ballatt-Brooks, niece; and Darlene Snowden, adopted family sister; and a very loving and special friend, Mamie Morgan.
Funeral Services Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Springhill Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Poplar Lawn Baptist Church Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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Funeral Services Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Springhill Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Poplar Lawn Baptist Church Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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