Mrs. Harriet L. Johnson

Harriet Grey Lash Johnson was born on October 27, 1930, in Artesia, Mississippi to Annaise and Savannah Lash. She was the youngest of four siblings. Harriet's parents and siblings preceded her in death.

Harriet was united in holy matrimony to Elmore A. Johnson for 36 glorious years prior to his death in December 1993. To this union was born two beautiful and loving 'children, Carol Diane and Dwayne Alexander As a child, Harriet was raised in the church and professed her faith and was baptized at an early age. After moving .to Evanston in the early 60's, she and Elmore joined Second Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend C. Nathaniel Hawk. Harriet quickly became immersed in various roles in the church, in which she
continued participation over the years.

They included the Ladies Auxiliary, Women's Ministry, Senior Ministry, Senior Singers, and having the esteemed honor to be appointed as a Deaconess. She took her role as a Deaconess very seriously and performed her duties flawlessly. She was a mentor to incoming and younger Deaconess, taking them under her wing and helping to assure that they learned proper protocols and guid-
ance. After many years of service, she attained the status of Deaconess Emeritus.

As was the case, with her husband, education was a priority in Harriet's life. Hpon graduation from Missis-
sippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, she became a teacher at Union Academy in Columbus, Mississippi.
With the family's move to Evanston, Harriet went on to pursue advanced studies; obtaining a master's degree
in Education from National Louis University. Her extensive teaching career in Evanston/Skokie Community
Consolidated School District 65 included Foster Elementary (formerly King Laboratory) and Washington Ele-
mentary School. She retired from Washington School after 20 years. She loved her students, and her students
loved her as was evidenced over the years whenever any of her former students ran into her in the communi-
ty. They always stopped to say hello and how much they "loved Mrs. Johnson". They introduced her to
their children and grandchildren, telling them "She was always so sweet."

Harriet was a compassionate and caring woman, in all aspects of her life. She was the epitome of "To know
her was to love her". Even if you were being chastised by her, you still felt the love and you knew that warm
smile was not far behind.

Prior to and after retirement, Harriet was always busy. She continued her church responsibilities. As well,
she was an active and proud member of the Evanston-North Shore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. She also looked forward to and enjoyed the meetings and activities as a
member of the Foster Senior Club and the African American Genealogy groups.

Praise God for giving Harriet Johnson the strength to fight the good fight and run the race to the end. After a
valiant fight following a short illness, she gained her wings on October 24, 2022.

Harriet leaves to rejoice for a life well lived and to cherish her infinite memory, her loving and devoted daughter, Rev. Carol Diane Johnson; her caring and loyal son, Dwayne Alexander Johnson; four extraordinarily special grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Covelli, Blake Johnson, Erica Downs and Gillian Johnson; and three amazingly wonderful great-grandchildren, Sophia, Alexander, and Isabella, nieces, cousins, and other relatives. She will be deeply missed by her dear friends, colleagues and other associates. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette~Funeral Director

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