Life’s Reflections

Mrs. Elma Lois Johnson Pettis was born September 4, 1924, to the late Mr. Clarence and Callie Johnson. Her brother, Clarence Johnson, Jr., and sister, Edna Mae Casey, preceded her in death. She departed this life on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

As a member of the Orange Mound Community, Elma attended church in the Beltline. She was baptized and joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age. Elma later became a Greater Hope Baptist Church member, dutifully attending and faithfully serving until her health declined.

She was a member of The Park Avenue School graduating class. Elma continued her education at Booker T. Washington High School, where she received her diploma. Elma became interested in the medical field and desired to learn all that was available. She enrolled in John Gaston Nursing Program and completed all requirements to become a licensed nurse.

Elma was a loving daughter, a wonderful sister, a phenomenal aunt, a cousin to many, and a loyal friend to quite a few. But to us...she was AUNTIE!!! We are her legacy. Auntie was our touchstone, and she will never fade away from our memories.

Auntie leaves her loving and devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves six nieces, Carolyn Johnson, Ernestine (Willie) Stewart, and Evelyn Liggins, who served faithfully as her caregiver, Edna Chavis, Janice (Russell) Dickson, and Doris Casey, three nephews, Calvin (Denise) Johnson, Julius Casey, Clarence Casey, the keys to her heart, Jazmine “Queen Bee” Cousin and Callie “Hunny Bunny” Liggins, one godson, Everett Davis, III, her loving cousin, Gloria Jean Williams and her loving lifetime friend, Mrs. Gertrude Davis.

The Beltline neighbors and The Walker, Davis, Taylor, Johnson and Whitfield families shared a special bond and friendship with Auntie. Auntie also leaves a host of grandnieces and grandnephews. We deeply mourn her passing.