Christine Johnson

Christine Johnson was born to Harold Gordon Sr. and Lois Marie Gordon on July 12, 1936 in Bogalusa Louisiana. Christine was the eldest of eight children. Siblings: Harold Jr., Lester, Dennis, Nina, Lutalo, David, and Charlotte. She was preceded in death by; her parents Harold Gordon Sr. and Lois Gordon and brothers; Harold Jr., Lester, and David.

Christine’s family relocated to Chicago, Illinois and settled there until the start of World War II. The family migrated to Marin City, California where her father worked for the Marinship Corporation in Sausalito, California. While there, Christine made many friends and was a member of the Girl Scouts of America. In the late 1940’s the Gordon Family relocated back to Chicago, Illinois.

In 1954 Christine graduated from Carter Henry Harrison Technical High School. Where she was active in school productions and played the violin. After high school she went to work for Illinois Bell as a telephone operator.

In 1958 she married Wesley James Johnson III and within a few years Bryon the eldest was born. Because Christine loved California, she convinced Wesley to move there. They settled in San Francisco when her transfer to Pacific Bell was approved. After living in San Francisco, they bought their first home in East Palo Alto, California. Christine would become a stay-at-home mother. Giving birth to Brett, Stuart, and Ingrid.

In 1974, the Johnson family moved to San Jose, California. In 1978 Christine became a single parent and re-entered the workforce. She initially worked as a teller for Bank of America, before moving into management within the banking industry. In the 1980s she would move on from Bank of America and work for other companies before landing a finance position with NASA Ames in 1994. Where she worked for 11 years before retiring in 2005.

She and her family joined Antioch Baptist Church in 1980 under the leadership of Reverend M. Samuel Pinkston. She served as an usher for 21 years and the president of the usher board for 18 years. She was also a member of the All-States Committee representing Illinois, taught vacation Bible Study, and accepted the invitation to become a Deacon and was ordained in 2018.

Christine appreciated art, history, and African culture. She had an eye for artwork and collected many unique pieces throughout her life. One of her dreams was to visit East Africa. That dream was fulfilled when the Johnson family spent 3 months traveling to Nairobi (Kenya), Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Christine was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She loved her family and was always there to help, support, encourage and offer pearls of wisdom. She leaves behind her siblings Dennis, Nina, Lutalo (Marium), and Charlotte. Children; Bryon, Brett (Stefan), Stuart (Silvia), and Ingrid. Grandchildren; Stuart Jr. (Erika), Tamera, Stephan, and Armand. Great-grandson; Isaiah. Along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family, and Friends.

The quiet hour will begin on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

On Friday, March 1, 2024, a viewing will occur at the Antioch Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. The church is located at 268 Julian Street, San Jose. Funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Graveside service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, 48800 Warm Springs Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539.

Please join us in honoring Ms. Johnson and lifting her family up in prayer.