Annie L Johnson

33,595 days served on Earth

    now serving in Heaven

                     Annie sowed a good seed

Annie Lee was born on May 31, 1931, in Union Springs, Alabama. She was the 2nd child and
oldest daughter born to the late Will and Allie Mae Patrick. She was the 3rd of 10 children.
Annie had a wonderful childhood and loved to share fond memories of growing up on a farm. As
the oldest girl, Annie was responsible for helping with her younger siblings. Her nurturing spirit
would prove instrumental years later as she raised a family of her own. Annie’s father was an
avid hunter and on occasions she would go hunting with her father and brothers. Their favorite
pastime was fishing, and although Annie was afraid of water, she would accompany them on a
boat to catch fish in a nearby pond. This is the same pond where Annie was baptized, at age 15.
She looked back on her childhood as “Good ole Days.”
Annie was a devout Christian and loved to tell the story of her conversion. She was 15 years old
working in the fields when overcome by the Holy Spirit. Annie states she started screaming and
the animals around her began to run. During this time, she even lost her appetite. Annie would
say with absolute certainty that she was a “Born Again” Christian. While attending church in
Union Springs, Alabama, Annie served on the Usher Board along with her sister Betty. Annie
often recalled getting up early on Sunday mornings, walking to church or riding on their horse
driven wagon.
Annie received her formal education in Union Springs Alabama and graduated from Carver High
School. After graduating, Annie relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. Once in Cleveland, Annie initially
worked as a clerk in a grocery store, it was there she met her Nathaniel, who was the love of her
life. They were married on October 10, 1953. Nathaniel preceded her in death on August 24,
2018, just two months shy of 65 years of wedded bliss. Annie later worked as a Nursing
Assistant at St. Luke’s Hospital as well as Metropolitan Hospital where she provided care to
children. She retired in 1986.
Annie joined Second Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor B.G.
Gilbert and later served under the leadership of Pastor C.D. Gant. Annie was a member of the
Nurses Guild Ministry as well as an Eastern Star. Annie was “Ole School” and believed that a
woman’s head should be covered while attending church service. Therefore, on any given
Sunday, apart from the Sunday’s she served on the Nurse’s Guild, Annie would sport a wide
brim hat. When Annie’s health began to fail, she enjoyed praising the Lord via television
ministry in the comfy confines of her home.
Annie adored her family and appreciated any opportunity celebrating family gatherings or
quality time on the phone with her siblings, especially Everlena whom she spoke with 3 – 5
times daily. Annie’s hobbies included gardening, cooking, and traveling. Her last trip was in the
month of June 2021. Annie was finally convinced to travel again via airplane. This time her
destination was Florida where she would visit her eldest daughter, Elaine and son-n-law,
Ransom. While there, she was able to enjoy another hobby that she had not experienced in years,
a trip to the casino! When Annie spoke of her Florida visit, she stated that she “enjoyed it to the
highest.”

Annie was an amazing cook, and her love of cooking was on full display at family gatherings
during the holidays and every Sunday. Annie would cook large Sunday dinners to make sure she
had enough just in case someone stopped by for a visit. Some of her favorite dishes were her
delicious collard greens, cabbage, corn bread, mouth-watering peach cobbler and melt-in-your
mouth pound cakes.
There was a special spot in Annie’s backyard that was reserved for her annual vegetable garden.
Annie would plant everything from collards to tomatoes, cabbages, beans, onions, you name it,
she planted it. This tradition continued until her health would not allow it. Therefore, a new
tradition was started that entailed planting and hanging flowers in the front yard every Spring to
celebrate Annie’s birthday. This tradition was handed down to Annie’s children and
grandchildren and the tradition continued each year.
Although later in life Annie’s memory was compromised, there were certain talking points she
used to remind us of when she meant business. When we spoke with her regarding her
knowledge of medicine, she would say, “I worked in the hospital many a years,” when we talked
about religion, she would say, “I’m a born-again Christian,” when her health began to fail her,
she would say, “Thank God, I’m still here.” And when she felt that no explanation was required,
Annie would say, “You got to do what you got to do.”
Annie was completely devoted to her family. She would always remind her children of the
lessons her parents instilled in her and her siblings, “If one of them was in trouble, they were all
in trouble.” Annie led an exemplary life in words and deeds! She was unwavering in her faith
and how she viewed life issues. Although Annie only had 3 biological children, she was “Mama”
to many, especially her 100 th and 108 th Street Families. Annie was loved and respected by her
children’s friends, her nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and anyone who came to know her.
Annie shared her wisdom and faith with anyone who would listen.
Annie was cherished and adored by her children who spoiled her every chance they got.
Celebrations were plentiful in the Johnson household, we celebrated everything, especially
birthdays and holidays. When her children were young, they were beyond excited to be able to
purchase a Mother’s Day gift, a punch bowl with the little cups. They even sang a song written
by her son, Jerry to celebrate their mom. This gift would be cherished by Annie for many years.
One year on Christmas Eve, the entire Johnson clan stayed overnight so everyone could wake up
on Christmas morning with Nathaniel and Annie. During covid, Annie could not have an in-
house celebration for her 89 th birthday so her baby girl, Beverly decided to organize a parade for
her that included a line of decorated cars which was led by her granddaughter, Ayanah. The
following year, Annie turned 90 and was blessed to be able to celebrate this milestone birthday
both indoors and outdoors with family and friends.
Yesssssss, loving and caring for Annie was a family affair which included each of her children,
grands, great grands, and great-great grands, each of whom played a part in putting a smile on
her face. Annie often spoke of how blessed she was to have children who truly loved her.

God has blessed this beautiful woman of God to live a full and blessed life for 91years. She has
now taken a much-needed rest, joining her loved ones who have gone on before her, especially
her beloved Nathaniel whom she referred to as “A good man gone home.”
Annie was preceded in death by six of her siblings: Eugene Patrick, Bishop Edward Patrick,
Betty Mae Pruitt, Dorothy Hopps, William Patrick and Jimmie Lee Patrick. Jimmie Lee passed
away in 1986 leaving three children, Donald, Raynard and Kimberly. Annie, along with her
surviving siblings at that time, provided guidance and support for their sister’s children.
Kimberly Patrick preceded Annie in death on September 9, 2017.
Annie made her majestic transition on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, surrounded by Angels of Mercy.
Precious memories of Annie will forever be cherished by her children, Jerry (Lorraine), Elaine,
and Beverly (Maverick). One stepson, Frank, (Dorothy Jean) of Jackson, Mississippi and one
stepdaughter, Pam. Six grandchildren: Takenya, Jerry Sr. (Erica), Marcus, Shane (Zenobia),
Ayanah and Malik. Eight great-grands: Courtnee, Destinee, Leonzo Jr., NaJayla, Jerry Jr., Caila,
Zuri, and Zoe. Five great-great grands: Aiden, Rylee, Leonzo III, Kennedi and Bryce. Two
special nephews, Donald (Lynn) and Raynard. Two loving sisters: Everlena Eiland and Lucille
Ligon. One Loving brother, Linton Patrick. Three Sister-in-Laws: Cynthia Patrick of Newark,
NJ., Francis Nix and Clara Young. A devoted and loving Goddaughter, Dale Young, and George
Bryant whom Annie fondly referred to as her “Other Son.” A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins
other family members and Friends, too numerous to name and too important to overlook.
Annie was much more than the matriarch of our family; she was our “Rock.” Her devotion was
consistent, her love for us and her influence over us was even greater. She was the epitome of a
strong, Black, Christian woman who put God first and allowed her faith to guide her in every
decision. Annie embodied the woman described in Proverbs 31: 25-31. As we her children
attempt to live by her example, we are mindful of her sacrifices, her unconditional love, and
unwavering commitment to her family. We are forever grateful to God for choosing this
wonderful woman as our mom. “Rest well Queen Annie, we will take it from here. We got this,
and God’s got us.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annie L Johnson, please visit our floral store.