Dora Etta Johnson

HER JOURNEY

Dora Etta Davenport Johnson was born to the parentage of Roosevelt and Bessie Mae Richardson Davenport in Dodge, Texas on November 26, 1933. She lost her mother at an early age and was raised by her older sisters, Novella Smith and Rosie Lee.

She graduated from Waldo Mathews High School in Silsbee, Tx on May 18, 1952. She excelled academically and was selected to deliver her high school commencement address. After high school, she attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Tx.

She relocated to Lubbock, Tx. in 1955 where she united with New Hope Baptist Church. She served faithfully on the Senior Usher Board and was founding member of the Bertha Dunn Missionary Circle. She also served as an instructor for the Junior Usher Board.

She was employed by C.R. Gallagher, whom she worked for over 40 years until her retirement in 2002. She considered the Gallaghers to be an extension of her family.

She married Lee A. Johnson in 1969, he preceded her in death. She will be remembered for her kind spirit and willingness to sacrifice her time to help others. She would often visit hospitals and nursing homes to offer comfort and compassion. She loved children and after retirement, she volunteered for several years as a foster grandparent with Texas Health and Human Services. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and watching her favorite TV show, Wheel of Fortune. She spoke often of her fond memories of Lubbock.

She relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas in 2007 where she united with Rising Star Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Tx. She later joined St. John Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Tx where she attended faithfully until her health declined.

In 2012, she was honored at an annual event in Houston, Tx. sponsored by the Philia Works of Houston, Inc. This event recognized a “Collection of Inspiring Women” for significant contributions to their families, churches and communities.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Novella Smith, Rosie Lee and Rachel White; her brothers R.D. Davenport and James Davenport.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, a devoted daughter, Linda Holmes of Grand Prairie, Tx; a loving son, Darren Holmes of San Antonio, Tx; grandsons Kenneth Polk (Sylvia) of Forrest Hill, Tx., Patrick Johnson, Adrian Johnson and Robert Johnson, all of Ft. Worth, Tx; great-grandchildren Kendric Polk, KJ Polk, Kennon Polk and Erica Wagner; great-great grandsons, Kereon Polk, Rory Polk and Brayden Love; special cousins Leo Showers of Houston, Tx., and Linda Wheeler of Peoria, Arizona; a best friend of 60 years, Ms. Charlie Mae Nelson of Arlington, Tx; special friend Ms. Zora Aimes of Grand Prairie, Tx; an adopted daughter Ms. Margaret Nealy of Euless, Tx; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family of Dora Johnson would like to express sincere gratitude to caregivers, Vickie Brown, Renee Huckaby and Debora Tucker for taking excellent care of our dear mother.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the JOHNSON family.