Mother Juanita Johnson

Mother Juanita Johnson “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…. And Love your neighbor as yourself,” was Jesus’ answer to the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This basic instruction, though not always easy to do, speaks to how Juanita Johnson lived her life; dedicated service to God and the Church, and to her family. On March 26, 1926, Juanita was next to the last of eight daughters and one son born to Mose and Clara Banet Manse. She lived her early childhood and adolescent years in the small town of Clinton, Kentucky. She completed her education through grade 12 in Kentucky. And in the late 1940’s Juanita moved to St. Louis. There she met and married the love of her life, James Johnson in 1950. She and her husband worked outside of the home for many years offering services to multiple families in the Kirkwood and Webster Groves areas. The couple would have remained childless had they not assisted in rearing and providing for many of their nieces and nephews. Juanita often spoke of how she and her sisters were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in the same worship service at Douglas Memorial Church of God in Christ. In 1954 she became a member under the leadership of the late Elder Leonard Scales. She would later join the Bostick Temple Church of God in Christ. After the death of her husband, she returned to Douglas Memorial under the leadership of the late Eugene Jones. She remained faithful to the church under the current pastor, Elder Larry Addison. During her service to the church, Mother Johnson worked with the Purity Class, Sunday School, Missionary Department, Pastor’s Aide Committee and the Mother’s Board. Dressing for Sunday service was a must and she always wore hat and heels. Fellowship was a passion for Juanita. Quick to tell you how much she loved the Lord, she could hold a conversation longer than anyone, and with a memory that stretched back to childhood, she had many stories to share, with anyone who would listen. Fellowship was most enjoyed around the dinner table, eating her favorite-fried chicken or fried fish. Mother Johnson loved God, family, the saints, big hats, high heel shoes and to talk. Mother Juanita Johnson lived a full rich life in Christ. So we celebrate today. We celebrate both her legacy of service to the Lord, and her eternity in heaven with the Lord. On Friday, February 17, 2017. God whispered to Mother Juanita Johnson, “Job well done thy good and faithful servant.” Now take your rest with your family who have their wings waiting in heaven for you. Her husband, James Johnson, her parents, Mose and Clara, siblings, Effie, Lucille, Mattie, Arthur, Cleassie, LaRuth, Thelma and Velma, her very close sister-in-law Emma Manse, brother-in-law Morris Christian and nephew-in-law Ernest McMiller. She leaves to cherish her memory; one sister Clara Christian, her eldest niece Jerlean McMiller, her eldest nephew Arthur Manse (Barbara) and five generations of nieces and nephews, a host of friends and her entire church family.

Mother Juanita Johnson

March 26, 1926 - February 17, 2017