Lue Thelma Johnson

Mother Lou Thelma Johnson was 92, and departed this life Tuesday September 7, 2021 in Sumter, SC. She was the mother of Eddie Johnson, Earl D. Johnson and Gloria O. Johnson and the late Lanneau A. Johnson.

Public viewings will be Sunday September 12, 2021, 5:30pm-7:00pm.

Graveside services are scheduled to be held Soul Chapel AME Church Cemetery Monday September 13, 2021 at 11:00 am. Services will be live-streamed on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page. 

The Life and Legacy of Mother Lue Thelma Johnson

In the beginning . . . This journey called ‘life’ began for Lue ‘Thelma’ Wright, the youngest (and a twin) of eight children, on December 18, 1928 born to the late Samuel and Willoby Dunham Graves Wright.  She was reared by her aunt; Flora E. White-affectionately called Big Aunt.  Being born into a family of gifted singers and preachers of the Gospel, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and received the gift of the Holy Spirit at an early age.  She spent her early years serving at Zion Holiness Church in various capacities.  Thelma graduated from Johnakin High School, Marion, South Carolina and attended A & T College, Greensboro, NC for two years majoring in administration. 

The Wife and Mother . . . The Bible says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” (Pro 18:22 NIV).  Thelma was found by a wonderful husband, Andrew Johnson, and was joined in holy matrimony in 1951.  To their union, four children were born:  Eddie, Lanneau, Earl and Gloria.  Thelma was a loving, generous, caring and hardworking mother and wife. She worked for years in the factories to ensure her children would be successful.  She often gathered her children for prayer and was intentional about making sure they were productive members in the church as well as in society. Thelma was diligent in all of her endeavors and she believed strongly in education and excellence.  

The Church Member . . . Mother Johnson was a faithful lifelong member of Zion Holiness Church under Pastor Harvey White, Bishop Carl M. Brewer, and Bishop Sarah Arnold.  As a matter of fact she and her aunt (Flora E. White-affectionately called Big Aunt) helped paint, sanded and stained pews, hammered floor boards in place, screwed on door hinges, if they could reach it, they did it.  She served in the children ministry, led devotional worship service, church secretary, sang in the community choir, Sunday School teacher, trained Sunday School teachers, visited and prayed for the sick and shut-in. 

The Woman . . . Thelma Johnson was quite at times but very strong will when it came to her family, church, and serving God.   She was respected in her family, the community, and at work.   She was classy, sophisticated, well dressed and always had a smile and words of inspiration for everyone she met.    When she made up her mind, look out, she knew how to put the pedal to the metal and move on down the road.  She enjoyed going on her yearly trips to Disney Land, cruise to Freeport, Bahamas, watching the 82nd Airborne paratroopers, trips to San Antonio, TX, and before her eye sight began to fail, she was an avid word search puzzler.

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant …Lue Thelma Wright Johnson, the last of Sam and Willoby Wright children – preceded in death by two brothers: William Samuel Graves and Charlie Lee Wright; five sisters: Alma Wright (infant), Gracie Mae Williams, Irene Richardson, Annie Mae Kemp, Maeola Brown and surrogate brother:  William M. Self; Loving Husband-SSgt Andrew Johnson, Son-Lanneau A. Johnson, and Grandson-Earl D. Johnson, Jr.

The Legacy . . . Lue Thelma Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and church mother passed peacefully on September 7, 2021 at the Gardens of Sumter, SC Memory Care Unit after spending an afternoon with her children and family members. She leaves to cherish her memory . . . Three children:  Eddie C. Johnson (Mary), Earl D. Johnson, Sr. (Sheila) and Gloria O. Johnson; Seven Grand-children:  Christopher C. Johnson, Andrew Johnson I (Shonda), Dwane Johnson, LaShana Williams, Tolandra Johnson (Sean Haynes), Joshua Johnson, Eddie Johnson (Kelly); Six Great Grand-children:  Marearlcel Shagonabe Johnson, Jalen Eaddy, Andrew Johnson, II, Alexander Vaughn, Paige Vaughn, and Aubree Johnson; surrogate sister:  Mrs. Meristein Moore; 1st cousin:  Mrs. Luzzetta Terry; one daughter-in-law:  Anna Johnson; Three sister-in-laws:  Mrs. Annie Lee Dickerson, Roxana Johnson, Roberta Johnson and NazAnn Self; One brother-in-law:  David Johnson, and a host of relatives and friends who loved her dearly. 

The family of  Mother Lou Thelma Johnson in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Johnson family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic  health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

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