Martha Mickens Johnson, a radiant beacon of love and wisdom, embarked on her journey to Glory on January 8, 2024, at Reading Hospital in Reading, PA, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on February 22, 1930, in Pemberton, Virginia, Martha's 93 years unfolded as a celebration of simplicity and grace.
Martha lived life like a lively dance, imprinting indelible memories on the hearts of those who shared her path. She embraced everyone with the warmth of a comforting cup of hot tea, steeped for hours on her stove, infused with just a dash of spice.
Not just a mother, Martha was the guiding light, the matriarch of a five-generational wellspring of love, wisdom, and laughter. Her remarkable strength, kindness, and resilience touched not only her immediate family but extended to friends, neighbors, and all fortunate enough to cross her path. Even in life's greatest challenges, Martha's ability to express love, without expecting anything in return, became her secret power and the key to her longevity.
A woman of many talents, Martha believed firmly in hard work. From her industrious younger years in Richmond, Virginia, working at places like the Governor’s Mansion and various hospitals, Martha's goals were clear – to save and create opportunities for her family. Even in her later years, she continued to be industrious, always offering to serve her guests and visitors, taking great pride in her independence.
Her home was a haven, where memories were celebrated. Martha spent hours immersed in the daily newspapers, with a particular fondness for the Reading Eagle, Richmond Times Dispatch, & the Goochland Gazette. Her love for staying informed extended to watching the news, and a cherished tradition observed by all who loved her included complete silence at 7 pm for a special broadcast.
Martha's adventurous spirit also took her on independent excursions from coast to coast. She loved visiting Atlantic City with her senior community, a tradition she continued through 2023. Her love for travel also embraced beaches both near and far, from Delaware to San Francisco. Exploring the city of Reading, her beloved home for nearly 50 years, especially its many downtown stores, brought her immense joy.
Martha's culinary skills were legendary and at times infamous, she could turn any meal into a shared laughter-filled experience. She could stretch almost any recipe, a talent that added flavor and comedy to our lives. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, the many life lessons she shared, the traditions she upheld, and the boundless love she showered on all will resonate through the generations she leaves behind.
Martha Mickens Johnson leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unyielding strength. Though she may no longer be with us in the physical sense, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by her grace.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Hattie Morton Mickens; husband, Jackson Johnson; brothers, Earl, John, and Jean Mickens; and sisters Mary Mickens and Hattie Lee Mickens Sims. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughter, Helen L. Towles; sister-in-law, Ida Mae Kinney Mickens; devoted caregiver and grandson Seldon A. Towles, Jr. and loving grandchildren Felicia H. Towles, Nancy V. Towles, Eric F. (Stephanie) Towles, and Clinton D. (Amy) Towles, and a host of nieces, a nephew, and 13 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous additional family, friends and neighbors.
As we bid farewell to our sweet Martha, let us not mourn her passing but celebrate the brilliant light she brought into our lives. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that she so generously shared during her extraordinary life.
A viewing for Martha will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Theo C. Auman Inc., 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Prayers and memory sharing will promptly commence in the funeral home at 12:00 PM. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Charles Evans Cemetery, 1119 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601.
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