Celebration of Life Keepsake Honoring Maeola Dabney Johnson

Maeola 1931 - 2024

PROCESSIONAL

SELECTION

St. Luke M.B. Church Choir

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Reverend Dr. Charles Miller

Assistant Pastor Christ the King Ministries

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Reverend Willie Hudson

St. Luke M.B. Church

PRAYER

Minister Emarsis Stringer-Williams

Christ Refuge Community Church

SELECTION

WORDS OF COMFORT

Reverend Charlie Sykes, Jr.

Pastor of St. Luke M.B. Church

SELECTION

EXPRESSIONS ABOUT MAEOLA

As a Mother - Tammie Johnson

As a Family Member – Joseph Griffin/Glenda Buchanan

As a Church Member – Rose Bilbro

As an Usher – St. Luke Usher Board

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS & RESOLUTIONS

Pearline Johnson

SOLO

Pastor Sherri Livingston

Pastor of Manifesting Life Ministries Church International

EULOGY

Reverend Dr. Jimmy Williams

Pastor of Christ the King Ministries

RECESSIONAL

Following the committal there will be a repast at King's Temple M.B. Church.

THE STORY OF

Maeola Dabney Johnson

Maeola Dabney Johnson was born in Farrell, Mississippi, on March 18, 1931 to Robert and Nancy Dabney. As the sixth of seven siblings— Ethel, Robert Jr., Rosie, Annie, Joseph, and Catherine—she grew up on a rural farm with values rooted in family unity and hard work. Farm work in the rural Mississippi Delta was so extreme that even children, worked from “can to can’t.” When they finished their chores, Maeola and her siblings played games, especially baseball. She and her siblings enjoyed an incredibly close relationship. They maintained those ties throughout their lives.

Despite the obstacles of rural living that disrupted her formal education, Maeola’s determination led her to the Coahoma Jr. College Manpower Development Training Center. There, she earned a General Education certificate that began her journey as a Nutrition Site Manager in Jonestown, Mississippi. In this role, Maeola nourished bodies and souls, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her.

Maeola’s heart and home expanded with her marriage to Nathan White, blessing her with three children: Pearlie, Gloria, and Nathan Jr. Life brought additional blessings with her union to J.C. Johnson, with whom she shared 13 more children: Percy Lee (Not), Maxine, Earnest, Burnell, Dollie, Jackie, Eric (Kirk), Jerome, Razell, Stanley, Celestine, Tammie, and

Schlander (Nette). Navigating the complexities of motherhood with grace, Maeola taught her children the values of love and the importance of family, alongside lessons of kindness, the value of education, the virtue of hard work, and the joy of living a purposeful life. Her faith, often tested by her children’s chronic illnesses and hospitalizations, remained strong, guiding her to advise others, “Don’t worry. Pray.” It was essential for Maeola to prepare healthy meals for her children, most of which she grew in her garden. She did farm-to-table before it was trendy.

Maeola’s life, deeply rooted in Christian faith, was a testament to Christ’s teachings through her words and actions, as evidenced by her long-standing membership at St. Luke M.B. Church. Her warmth extended far beyond her biological family, as she became a beloved mother figure to many in her community. Always ready with a kind word and a sweet treat, she was affectionately known as “Mother”.

Maeola found joy and expression in her hobbies— quilting and word puzzles reflected her vibrant spirit. Family gatherings, filled with music and tasty food, reinforced her family bonds. At the S.L.A. Jones Activity Center in Clarksdale, MS, she embraced ceramics and made one-of-a-kind pieces that she gifted to loved ones.

Indeed, Maeola was a study in contradictions:

modest in physical presence yet immense in influence; living simply yet appreciating beauty and elegance; gentle in demeanor yet powerful in words. Her life demonstrated that devout faith could coexist with joy and spontaneity.

In her golden years in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Maeola enjoyed special care from her youngest child, including salon visits, thoughtful meals, family vacations, and beautifully chosen clothes that drew attention everywhere she went. She even persuaded family members to bring her favorite - but banned - indulgences, such as pork skins and sweet treats. Her co-conspirators often had no idea they had been victims of a cleaver and unassuming woman with the easy voice.

Throughout her life, Maeola witnessed monumental societal shifts, from the era of sharecropping to the digital age of social media. She went from listening to Rev. James Cleveland to watching Rev. T. D. Jakes on a flat-screen television. She remained wise and relevant, able to discuss her life experiences and contemporary figures like John Legend. Notably, she celebrated the historic moment when she voted for Barack Obama, a stark contrast to a past marred by literacy tests that previously excluded her.

Maeola Johnson’s journey came full circle, leaving a legacy of love and resilience. After over nine decades and a lifetime of memories, our "Queen Mother" passed peacefully on March 30, 2024.

Her enduring spirit lives on through her children and their families, spread across various corners of the world. Maeola leaves behind Pearlie White, and Gloria Jean Fenton of Clarksdale, MS; Nathan White of Chicago, IL; Maxine Johnson and Burnell Johnson of Forest Park, IL; Dollie C. Richardson of Chicago, IL; Jerome Johnson and Razell Johnson of Clarksdale, MS; Stanley Joe Johnson of Jackson, MS; Celestine Johnson Sykes of Clarksdale, MS; Tammie Terrell Johnson of Memphis, TN; and Schlander Denette Johnson of Clarksdale, MS. Inspired by her wisdom, kindness, and sense of family, her 35 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and the extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, daughters-inlaw and friends primed to honor her legacy.

Preceded in death by her husband, siblings, and sons Percy Lee, Earnest Lee, Jackie Anthony, and Eric Kirk Johnson, Maeola Dabney Johnson’s life story remains a beacon of love, resilience, and the unbreakable strength of family bonds.

PEARLIE MAE WHITE NATHAN WHITE PERCY LEE JOHNSON (D)

MAXINE JOHNSON EARNEST LEE JOHNSON (D) BURNELL JOHNSON DOLLIE C. RICHARDSON

ERIC KIRK JOHNSON (D) JEROME JOHNSON RAZELL JOHNSON

STANLEY JOE JOHNSON CELESTINE JOHNSON SYKES TAMMIE TERRELL JOHNSON SCHLANDER DENETTE JOHNSON

OurMotherQueen

Maeola Dabney Johnson, our cherished Queen Mother, To many, simply known as "Mother," her warmth like no other. She birthed and nurtured, her heart a boundless home, In her realm of love and care, none ever felt alone.

A queen in every sense, with a touch both tender and bold, Her kitchen and her kingdom, her stories brightly told. Her spirit, a beacon, drawing souls from every place, With wisdom and a gentle hand, she ruled in loving grace.

Her beauty, undimmed, a force of nature's own design, In her, strength and grace intricately entwine. Facing battles, enduring scars, yet her victory was clear, In the legacy of love and strength she left us here.

Maeola, our guiding star, our Queen Mother so dear, Her essence, her love, forever we'll keep near.

With love, Nette

The family of Maeola Dabney Johnson appreciates and gratefully acknowledges your kind expressions of sympathy and compassion. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.

Always walk with your head held high.

Don't worry. Just pray.

Ain’t nothing wrong with a powder on your face.

You are no more than nobody, but you ain’t less than anybody either.

Grandma's Hands

PALLBEARERS

Brandon Fenton

Artevious Duke

Garrick Fenton

Rashard Spears

Javon Fenton

Ryne Gipson

Jeremy Hooper

Danny Bunch

Derek Tillman

Mario Cox

Seneca Johnson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Nathan White

Jerome Johnson

Burnell Johnson

Razell Johnson

Stanley Johnson

FLOWER BEARERS

Maeola's Grandchildren

Members of St. Luke M.B. Church

OFFICIANT

Rev. Dr. Jimmy Williams

Pastor of Christ the King Ministries

ARRANGEMENTS

Hornburger-Byas Funeral Home 315 DeSoto Avenue • Clarksdale, MS

INTERMENT

Heavenly Rest Cemetery

Highway 61 North • Lyon, MS