Juanita Johnson

Mother Juanita (Byrd) Johnson was the fourth child born to the holy union of the late Pastor Russell Byrd, Sr. and Mother Inez Bell Byrd of Slaton, Texas. Juanita was born on May 20, 1930 at home in Slaton, Texas with the help of a midwife called Ms. Sophie. At a young age Juanita was already a very hard worker, pulling one hundred pound bags of cotton that she harvested. She worked extremely long hours in the cotton fields and often was too tired to eat! In 1943 she relocated with her family from Texas to Seattle, Washington and first established residence at 400-21st Avenue. In 1944 the family moved to 178-27th Avenue, Seattle, WA. The family faithfully attended the Madison Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late overseer, Bishop Van Goodlow. It was there that Juanita received the precious baptism in the Holy Ghost at the age of thirteen. Mother Johnson loved to share the story of her experience with her children and everyone she met. As a young lady, she regularly attended Young People Willing Workers (Y.P.W.W.) where she fellowshipped and helped raise funds for church ministries. On May 3, 1949 she was joined in holy matrimony with the late Felton Johnson, Sr., (10/25/1920 – 11/26/1974) of Fairfield, Texas, beloved husband and father. There were thirteen beautiful children born to this union: Felton Johnson, Jr., Walinda Cutchlow, Gwendolyn Lampkins, Shirley Johnson (preceded her in death), Carolyn Johnson, Sharon AtterBerry, Kenneth Johnson, Elton Johnson, Carol Bradford, Carla Davis, Fulton Johnson, Sr., Terisa Altheimer, and Delton Johnson. Although Mother Johnson was widowed at only forty-two years of age and left with nine children at home, she never had time to complain, cry, or demonstrate self pity. She fulfilled the dual roles of mother and father, nurturer and provider. She worked hard in many jobs as a secretary, school janitor, truck-driver hauling scrap metal and a cashier and owner of a restaurant. She owned homes in Bellevue, Seattle and Sequim, Washington. Mother Juanita Johnson worked so hard in her younger years that she was not able to complete her High School Diploma. However, she never gave up on pursuing her education. She received her High School Diploma (1/18/2001) and Teachers Aide Certificate (11/2/2009) from Penn Foster, an Associate of Arts and Bachelor Degree in Theology from The Bishop A.L. Hardy Academy of Theology located in Seattle WA, her Missionary Deaconess License while serving at St. Paul Ministries C.O.G.I.C. and was an Ordained Church Mother under the leadership of Senior Pastor Hudson Walker. She raised her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ and the family faithfully attended Kirkland Assembly of God. Mother Johnson cared for and loved each one of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was known for her beautiful smile and sweet, friendly disposition. She called everyone her son or daughter and they called her mom! Mother Juanita Johnson leaves twelve children to celebrate her home going, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, two siblings: Mother Erma Wallace and Elder Willis Byrd, many nieces, nephews, friends and her Tolliver Temple Memorial C.O.G.I.C. family. Mom, we did not want to let you go, but it was time to take your rest! Mother Juanita Johnson peacefully passed from the arms of her loving children into the arms of her Heavenly Father on January 9, 2016 at 1:40 PM at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington.

“Well done my good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21