She Lived…Dr. Alice Elizabeth Johnson transitioned to eternal life on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 5:35pm, following a lengthy illness. She was born February 16, 1931 in Forsyth County to Ora Bell and William Franklin Acker. She was predeceased by both parents, husband John Wesley Johnson, a son Wesley Johnson, a sister Iris Carpenter, and a brother Kenneth Evans. She was also predeceased by a very dear friend, Maya Angelou, who was instrumental in helping her cope with the loss of loved ones.

She Reached…Her early education was attained in the local public schools, graduating from Atkins High School, Class of 1951. She attended La Mae Beauty College, later working as a local cosmetologist until attending Winston-Salem State College (now Winston-Salem State University) where she received a BS Degree in Nursing. After having worked as a RN and Nursing Instructor at the local nursing schools, she later attended the University of Maryland where she received a Masters Degree in Administration. Later she attended the University of Pittsburgh where she was inducted into Pi Lambda Theta, the International Honor Society in Education, and from whence
she received a PhD in Education with a specialty in curriculum and supervision. Her last employment was at Winston-Salem State University where she was a tenured associate professor and from whence she retired. During her retirement years, Dr. Johnson spent her time reading, writing poems, interior decorating, and making Christmas wreaths and other floral arrangements.

She Served…She was a life-long member of Goler Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where she served in many capacities including the Missionary Society, DBI Society, Chair of the Trustee Board and President of the Cathedral Choir. She loved to sing and we know she will be part of Heaven’s majestic choir. She loved working in the church, setting the example by cleaning, making repairs and beautifying God’s house, welcoming those who come seeking Him..

She Touched…Survivors include sons Orlando Johnson (Gina) of Italy, Marvin, Randall and Carl Ray Johnson of the city; daughters Linda Johnson Sutton and Bonita Johnson Gray (Delbert) of the city; Grandsons Linell Johnson (Lynette), Marcus Sutton (Deborah), Harvey Sutton (Melissia), William Gray, Wesley Jr. and Curtis Gilliam of Winston-Salem; Brian Morrison of Philadelphia, and Weslino, Michele and Andrea Johnson of Rome, Italy. She also leaves to mourn granddaughters Alicia, Deborah, and Ginevra Johnson of Italy, Romina Johnson of London, Angela Lombardi of Canada, Latasha Sinclair of Charlotte, Latoya El-Amin of Maryland, Orleshia Vaughn of Raleigh and Alicia Gray of the city. She is also survived by a nephew Darrell Gwyn of the city, a niece Marsha Evans of Michigan, 26 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

She Passed Through…Her love was extended to very special people in her life, two adopted daughters Ivana Marrone of Canada and Rita Maxwell of the city; friends Grace Bladwin, Charles Baldwin, Dorothy Allen, Sadie Webster, Lenner Jeffries, Janie Senn, Iridi Elias, Mara Sancinelli, Ingrid Hunter (Louis), very special close friends Priscilla and Vernon Cloud, and others.

She Rests…A celebration of her life will be held beginning with the visitation hour at 10:30AM and service at 11:30AM on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, 630 N. Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. George C. Banks, officiating. At the conclusion of the home going services for our beloved Dr. Johnson, her body will rest at Evergreen Cemetery, but her love and her spirit shall remain with us always. (Clark S. Brown & Sons)