Thelma Johnson

 After a long battle with cancer, Thelma Johnson died peacefully at home on August 3, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA.

Thelma, who was affectionally known as “Cookie” was born on August 30, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Herman Allen and Cora Mae Oliver. She grew up in a large family with 7 sisters and 3 brothers. She was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System.

At the tender age of 16, she married her late husband, Richard Lee Johnson. To support their family, Thelma worked various jobs in her younger years but her favorite was being a seamstress for many friends and family members until her arthritis became an issue.

On March 9, 1968, Thelma was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was a faithful and loving sister who opened up her home and heart to all. She really enjoyed family reunions, the daily company of her girlfriends and she loved to dance. She greeted everyone with a bright smile. When her children was young, her house was always full of giddy teenagers who did not know when to go home. She would make peach cobbler, sweet potato pies, rice and bread pudding, why would anyone want to leave? Also, she sponsored numerous fun bus trips to Amusement Parks, Orlando, FL and shopping in Williamsburg, VA. In the 80’s, many sisters would lined up in her kitchen to get a “Jheri Curl” by her son, Duane. Her children appreciated her spiritual guidance, motherly advice and love. Her grandchildren appreciated her genuine warmth and open arms. In her eyes, those she loved was precious to her.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer and later Alzheimer’s, Thelma remained positive, brave and strong-willed down to the end. She kept her hope in Jehovah’s promise that one day sickness and death will be no more and she will be able to dance again.

Thelma was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband, 2 sisters, Anna and Ethel; 2 brothers, Herman and Ronald. She leaves behind many people who loved her and will remember her: 5 children, Richard, Duane, Lisa, Darman, Demetrius; 5 sisters, Ruth, Gail, Joanne, Joyce, Sandra; 1 brother, Robert; 16 grandchildren, Lamar D., Demetrius H., Sydney, Rich, Stephanie, Sandra, Minyun, Ritchie, Lamar, Taressa, Angela, Tanisha, Ebony, Charlie, Monae, Jasmine; great-grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and dear friends.