For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8, KJV)
Order of Service
Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Annie Lou Johnson Medley of Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir Old Testament Scripture Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 8. . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Joyner Koinonia Baptist Church New Testament Scripture Reading . . . . . . . . .2 Timothy 4:6-8. . . . . . . . . . Dr. Chundrea Smothers Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart Christ Missionary Baptist Church Musical Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmist Reginald Gaston Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Kelly Smith First Baptist Capitol Hill Musical Praise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalmist Deborah M. Thomas Ministry through Dance Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Sr. Brown Missionary Baptist Church Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sis. Laura Terrell Musical Praise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmists Reginald Gaston & Deborah M. Thomas Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Eric Winston Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church The Benediction Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Annie Lou Johnson Musical Postlude
Life Reflections
Annie Lou Gholston Johnson was born January 3, 1919 in Memphis, Tennessee to John Gholston and Rosie Belk. She was raised by her Aunt the late Janie Guy who taught her morals and values that she instilled in her children. She joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1932 and was baptized at the age of 13. She was a continuous member of Mt. Zion for 86 years. She was the oldest member in age and service. During her lifelong membership she supported the pastoral ministries of her uncle the late Rev. M. H. House, the late Rev. L. D. Sanders, the late Rev. Charles J. Patterson Jr., and Rev. Dr. Eric Winston.
Annie Lou loved Mt. Zion and was an active and engaged member. She was the teacher of the Josephine Mumphrey Sunday School Class over 40 years. She was a member of the Women’s Chorus, President and member of the Senior Usher Board, member of the Mt. Zion Seniors, Golden Circle Club, Baptist Training Union, and Secretary of the Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting. She initiated the weekly mailing of church bulletins to sick and shut in members which continues to this day. Anytime she stood to speak in church, she began with her favorite scripture “O Lord, Our Lord, how Excellent is thy Name!” Throughout her life she never ceased to give God Praise for all the things that he has done. Even during her illness, she could be heard calling upon the name of the Lord. She attended Florida Elementary School and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School class of 1936. She was a medical assistant at Stevenson Clinic for 37 years. After her retirement she returned to her first love- caring for children. She was affectionately known as “Granny” by many. She opened her home to them, transported them to and from school, prepared home cooked meals, and taught them about Christ. During the morning commute to school, they learned to recite The Lord’s Prayer and the 23 rd Psalm. She also taught them how to be little ladies and gentlemen and emphasized the importance of the words please, thank you, and I’m sorry.
She was a giver and took great pleasure in helping others. She enjoyed visiting the sick, cooking, cleaning, and offering words of encouragement to everyone she encountered. She was an awesome cook. She happily cooked for her family and countless others. Homemade German chocolate cake, chocolate cake, homemade biscuits, oatmeal cookies, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and cole slaw were a few of her specialties. She had beautiful penmanship and enjoyed sending hand written letters, cards, and thank you notes. She was married to the late Chester Arthur Johnson. Their union was blessed with four children; Robert Lee Hayes Jr., Richard Arthur Johnson, who proceeded her in death, twin girls, Wanda Kaye Burnett, and Sandra Faye Johnson. She was widowed at the age of 46 and worked hard to provide the best life possible for her children. She instilled in them the importance of education, providing for themselves, loving God, and being kind to others. She was proud to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren receive their high school diplomas, college degrees, and live independently on their own. Annie Lou loved life. She was always the life of the party. She enjoyed traveling on trains, airplanes, cars, busses and especially cruises. She appreciated the arts and attended many live shows and plays. On January 3, 2018 she celebrated 99 years of life with family and friends. She wanted her last days to be her best days, and they were. She departed this life on January 29, 2018, at home surrounded by family. She leaves to cherish her memory her first born son Robert Lee Hayes Jr., a nurturing and devoted daughter and son in law, Wanda and Glen Burnett, a loving daughter and provider Sandra Faye Johnson, a sweet daughter in law, Beverly Hayes, grandchildren Marcus Hayes , Deirdre Jones (Barry), Christopher Hayes (Pamela), Jamie Johnson Hardy (Taurin), Cordell Johnson, and Kristin Burnett. Great grand children , Shanta, Kanetha, Ashley Jones, Quentin, Marcus Jr., Trenton, Lydia, Ashley Johnson, Nicholas, Joshua and two great great grandchildren. Brothers Carroll Gholston and Clevester Gholston, Sister in laws, Dorothy Sullivan, Lucy Gholston, special cousins Cuba Johnson Jr. (Peggy), extended family Dr. Bobbie Jones (Terron), Chandrea Smothers, Johnnie Neely, Louise Holman, Jean Fullwood (Jimmy), Marva Donald, Shirley Thompson, Dorsell Davis and family, Baker/Terrell family, Dillihunt family, Ora Isom, Irvin Marshall, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens.� (Psalm 8 :1, KJV)
Acknowledgment
In a time long before the formation of the world, God set forth a plan and a purpose for the life and legacy of Annie Lou Gholston Johnson that was to shape the foundation of our family and community. Over 99 years, she showed us all the excellence and magnificence that awaits each of us if we too have the courage to walk boldly in our divine destiny. Through her love, legacy and courageous walk in life, her voice will never fade from our consciousness and her memory will never leave our hearts. We the family of the late Annie Lou Johnson would like to express our humble gratitude and sincere appreciation to those who in any way provided support and prayers that comforted us. Your prayers and most especially your presence with us today are greatly appreciated and have helped us during this time of challenge and transition. Although our hearts are still mourning, our spirits are lifted knowing that she will always be loved and remembered by everyone. We ask that you keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue the healing process. May God bless and keep each of you in perfect peace.
Special Thanks
Dr. Hany Habashy and The Office of Internal Medicine, Methodist University Hospital, Heart to Heart Health Care Services, Amedisys Hospice Care, and Brother Richard Horner Jr.
Active Pallbearers
Bro. Davey Bond Bro. Keylan Bond
Bro. Craig Dillihunt Bro. Kevan Worthy
Bro. Matthew Shelton Bro. Keno Worthy
Honorary Pallbearers
Booker T. Washington Class of 1936, Golden Circle Club & Mt. Zion Seniors, Mt. Zion Senior Usher Board, & National United Church Ushers Association of America
Interment
Monday February 5, 2018 s 10:00am National Cemetery (3568 Townes Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38122) Services Entrusted To: E. H. Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Blvd. s Memphis, Tennessee 38116