CO elebration S rder of
ervice
Wednesday, June 10, 2020 12:30 P.M.
Kadesh Baptist Church 20361 Plymouth Rd. Detroit, Michigan 48228
Organ Prelude Processional.......................“Before I Let Go” Frankie Beverly and Maze Scripture.........................................................................O.H. Pye Minister Prayer.............................................................................O.H. Pye Minister Song..............................................“In the Midst of It All” Yolanda Adams Obituary............................................................................Melissa Johnson Remarks..........................................................................Friends & Family Song.......................................................A Song for You Donnie Hathaway Eulogy.............................................................................O.H. Pye Minister Recessional...........................................“Well Done” by Deitrick Haddon Organ Postlude My dearest Mentoria, a few words to you to say what would take volumes, to express just how much you truly meant to me..... When I first met you, I had all of those “manly” thoughts of how I was going to “conquer “ you, but it wasn’t long at all before I realized that your natural warmth, charm, and smile had stealthily won my heart and soon after, my soul. If I had to choose what I thought was the most affecting thing about you, I would say it was your warmth, strength, and love that I always felt was with me wherever I found myself. I willingly conceded I had to, because you filled my life with so much calm and inner-peace that gave me overwhelming comfort. I want to thank you for everything, the arguments, the kids, the good times, the insights that I learned from the bad ones, and for giving me the feeling that I was more than just “loved.” So I guess that what I want to say from as deep as I can reach is that I thank GOD for blessing me with YOU,.... and then to thank YOU for giving me ME.
Love, Bae ________________________________
Dear Mama,
From my creation, I have loved you in a place where there is no space or time You boldly birthed me into this world, with no path yet defined Still, fiercely, you promised me, your precious little girl From the depths of your heart and under your wing, it was us against the world And side by side, the two of us, set on this winding road The dips, the turns, the smoothed-out paths, oh what tales to be told You’d tell yours, and I’d tell mine, our stories we’d compare We’d laugh and love and cry some tears, and eventually, we’d come up for air As the sun sets, we look around and note that we’ve been catching up so long That we didn’t notice our time was up, and you’d have to soon be gone I desperately looked into your eyes, pleading for more time But in your eyes, all I could see were your loving tears goodbye As we embrace and hold on tight, yet slowly slipping apart I mouth the words, “I Love You Mama,” from the deepest place in my heart I realize as I open my eyes, I’m broken because you’re gone Yet though I weep in sorrow now, I know you’ve kept your promises all along You’ve loved, protected and defended me against this big, cold world Well done, my dear, goodbye for now Love, Your Favorite Girl Forever and Always My Love Remains Mama Love, Erica Marie
~Words of Appreciation ~
We acknowledge with sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness rendered to our family during this diffucult time. We pray God’s manifold blessings be returned to each of you for your kindness. ~The ~The Family of Mentoria Johnson
Arrangements Lovingly Entrusted to:
Mom, thank you for giving me life and bringing so much joy to our lives. I will forever miss the shoulder I had to lean on, the teacher I had to learn from, and the never-ending laughs and memories that we all shared with you. You used to say I was ”that guy.” For everything you were, to all of us, you will always be ”that girl”.
Love you, Slim. Rest easy. Robert
17700 Plymouth Road Detroit Michigan 48227 (313) 838-9770 www.pyefuneralhome.com
901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com mysticalprinting@aol.com
Life’s Reflections
Mentoria Johnson was born on May 28, 1951, to Sarah Johnson (Dearly departed) and John Watson (Dearly departed). She was born the sixth child of her parent’s nine children. Mentoria’s unique name had an enduring legacy through her mother’s lineage. Her mother’s grandmother and her mother’s sister were both named Mentoria as well. She would humorously mention how often her name was mispronounced or misspoken. Like her distinctive name, Mentoria was one of the most unique and memorable persons you’d ever have the pleasure to meet. Mentoria was born in Detroit, MI, in the momentous Baby Boomer years and grew up in the historic, revolutionary times of the Civil Rights Movement. She attended Central High and graduated from Highland Park Community College with an Associate degree in Accounting. For many years, she was a Bookkeeper in the Health Insurance and NonProfit industries. Mentoria was well known from her early teens up to the current day for her love of roller skating. She would often tell stories of her previous years of fun and the many escapades she had with her girlfriends going to popular skating rinks such as Arcadia practically every weekend. She would always, including up to the current day, be so excited yet, so serious about picking out her skating outfits and making sure she had the best wheels on her skates to party on the skating floor. Mentoria learned to sew when she was a young girl and kept that skill throughout her life. Her talents flowed into her creativity in decorating her home as well. She loved to play games of strategy and was particularly good at playing Tunk. She was vivacious, loved dancing, and listening to some of her favorites like the Dells, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Dramatics, Maze, George Benson, and a host of other great R&B artists. She loved to be at home on a warm and sunny day with the windows up and great music flowing. She enjoyed reading books about spirituality, personal growth, and strong Black women. She had a flair for being a very spirited and frank storyteller who would throw in a plot twist at a moment’s notice to keep you on your toes and leave your face in awe. Mentoria had an incredible sense of humor and effect that was effortless in her ability to make you laugh, think and hope you could remember exactly what she said so that you could use that line or that phrase one day. Her nieces and nephews often mentioned her as being a fun and loving aunt who would scoop up all the kids and spend time with them on various outings and special moments that will always be appreciated and remembered. She was a wise, tough, smart, steady, loyal, fiercely independent who eternally stood up for herself for what she believed, what she wanted, and what she felt she deserved. She was a listening ear and offered wisdom, encouragement, enthusiasm, and support for all who asked. The memories, the adventures, the laughs, and the highs and lows of shared experiences will remain a part of all who loved and knew her. Mentoria was a mother to three children: Erica, Jason, and Robert Johnson. She was passionate about wanting them to be close, loyal, and supportive of one another. She would say her resolve was borne out of her love for her younger siblings, whom she watched over and protected when they were young children. She continued to feel a sacred duty to be their “Big Sister” until the end. Mentoria shared a nearly four-decade bond with Robert L. Ward, Jr., who was a devoted, patient, and loving partner to her and a dedicated and passionate father to their sons Jason and Robert. Mentoria leaves in love, her grandchildren: Sabrina Harrison (granddaughter), James Harrison, Jr.(grandson), Noah Harrison (grandson), and Isaiah Harrison (greatgrandson). Mentoria leaves in love, her siblings: Gerald Watson, Sarah Watson, Cheryl Powell (Seborn Powell), and Keith Johnson (Melissa Johnson). She has joined in eternal love, her siblings: John Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Cleo Watson, and Ronale Watson. Mentoria leaves in love, her family members: Estella Johnson (aunt), Andre Johnson (cousin) Angela Johnson (niece), Micca Watson (Dearly departed nephew), Senetta Sarazine (niece) Felecia Watson (Dearly departed niece), John Johnson (nephew), Marco Watson (nephew), Stovall Johnson (nephew), Lamont Solomon (nephew) (Krisseda Solomon), Latisha Smith (niece), and a host of other loving family members and lifelong friends.
C
herished Memories