Norma R Johnson

Norma Roberta Oldham Johnson (Bobbie) passed away on May 27, 2019 at the age of 87. She was born June 9, 1931 to the late William Earl (Buss) and Alberta Oldham in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bobbie's mother passed when she was 4 years old. Bobbie and her brother Willis were then raised by their grandparents Rev. Philander and Minta Oldham. She accepted Christ at a young age and was a lifelong member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Bobbie received her elementary education at Indianapolis Public Schools #37, #26 and later graduated from Crispus Attucks High School Class of 1948. While enrolled at Crispus Attucks High School she met classmate and future husband Benjamin Johnson. On January 2, 1954, they were united in holy matrimony in Indianapolis, Indiana at the home of Bobbie's grandparents. Their life of marital commitment and happiness spanned over 62 years. Mrs. Johnson was a lifelong and faithful member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She was a former member of the Sunday School and Youth Choir. She was an active member of the Senior's Ministry. Bobbie at an early age, was fascinated by the field of cosmetology. Her fascination with hair became a reality when she graduated from Poro Beauty College in 1950. She also attended Indiana State and Indiana University. She was certified by the State of Indiana as a cosmetology instructor and a master beauty culturist. Bobbie was employed as a cosmetologist in the public sector for 31 years. She was later employed as a cosmetology instructor and a master beauty culturist for 11 years at Arsenal Technical High School. Norma as a cosmetologist skillfully shaped the hair of her clients. She made every person that she would work on proud to look in the mirror. Aunt Bobbie enjoyed giving afghan blankets to friends, relatives and people she knew. She loved to see the pleased and joyous expressions on the faces of the recipients who received the gifts. Norma was legendary for her ability to keep track of special days and birthdays in addition to photos of friends, her friend's children and family. No matter where you saw her she was always in the helping mode. Her kindness, selfless giving of time, talent, and effort to human services were matchless. She was a member of LeConte Charmettes, an organization for helping people for over 45 years. Norma was blessed with knowing instinctively what other human beings needed. She neither prodded nor judged. She merely guided them with flexible courage and determination when it came to helping others she never gave up. If you had the privilege of visiting her at home you never left hungry or empty handed. She would force you to eat, and or drink tea and she would find something to give you from the infamous "McGee's Closet". Bobbie departed her earthly home on May 27, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, "Buss" and Alberta, sister, Phyllis and the love of her life Benjamin Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory, brother, Willis E. Oldham (Sondra), niece, Kim Oldham Brown (Geary) (Acworth, GA), nephew, Kevin E. Oldham, great niece, Shelby Brown (Acworth, GA), aunt, Minta P. Knox, her beloved daughter, Lesley Rattler, grandson, Marques Rattler (Jackie), brother-in-laws, Richard A Johnson (Surprise, AZ) and John L. (Tina) Johnson (Evansville, IN), special cousins, William Gee (Concetta) (Covina, CA), Don (Chipper) Oldham II (April) and Sylvia F. Lane, cherished friend, ReGenia Davidson, goddaughters, Marena Johnson and Leslie Winbush (Winston-Salem, NC) (Mike). A host of other relatives, many friends, former clients and students.