Maria Jo Johnson

Maria Jo Johnson, age 12, went to Heaven to be with her Savior on Sunday morning, July 24, 2022. She was born on October 7, 2009, to Callie and DeWitt Johnson. She had strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes, a perfect nose, her mama’s lips, and eyelashes a mile long like her daddy’s. Maria was known for her sweet spirit, laughter, and unwavering “preparation.” She would usually plan for her day at school by staying up all evening the night before; that way she could sleep during class. She loved vanilla pudding and ice cream, oatmeal with bananas, cinnamon applesauce, bath time, being held and cuddled, having her head massaged, the wind on her face, and watching “The Golden Girls.” She also loved the sound of her Uncle Paul’s vacuum cleaner and when Aunt Jibby would call her “gorgeous” and “girlfriend.” She did not like chocolate, and she made that firmly known to anyone who would try to give it to her. Maria was a member of Lighthouse Ministries House Church with Pastor Pam, and there were times on Friday evenings during service when she would look across the room, focused on following the movements and voices of her angels and Jesus, who were always nearby. Now, she is with Jesus forever, as she spends time enjoying sunny days with cool winds while running through a field of butterflies. Her time on this earth was brief, but it was a gift from God, and she will be remembered, cherished and deeply loved always. Sweet Maria’s homegoing to Heaven was preceded by her loving grandparents Pam (Pappy) and Don (Grindad), of Norfolk, VA and Betty (Grandma) of Philadelphia, PA. She is survived by her parents, Callie and DeWitt, of Chesapeake, VA; sisters, Ashley, Rachel, and Lyndsey of Virginia Beach, VA; sisters, Monaé of Norfolk, VA, and Quineah of Philadelphia, PA; and brothers, Xavier of Norfolk, VA, DeWitt Latrelle and DeWitt Lamont of Philadelphia, PA. Maria also leaves a host of other family to cherish her memory: aunts, Jennifer (Paul) of Norfolk, VA; Donna (Joe) of El Paso, TX, Michelle and Tonia of Philadelphia, PA, and cousins, Noel, Hunter, Grace, Christian, and Donovan, and two nephews, Gunner and Jayden.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Johnson family.