Minnie Donahue Johnson

Minnie Donahue Johnson, born to the late Louis and Lizzie Donahue on Aug. 15, 1908, departed this life Thursday, July 9, 2009.

Minnie came to know Christ at an early age and was baptized soon there after at Days Chapel, AME Methodist Church in Clinton, La. She went on to join in perfect union with Sam Johnson Sr. in 1930. From this blessed union 13 children were born. Years later in 1990, Minnie became a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Prince George, where she was a faithful and dedicated member until her health declined. She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam Johnson Sr.; eight of her children, Lena Deloche, Gracie Washington, Flora Bailey, Florence Johnson, Blanchie Benjamin, Henry Johnson, Robert Johnson Sr. and Sam Johnson Jr.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Minnie was the lasting survivor of the 15 siblings by her mother and 21 siblings by her father.

She is survived by five of her children, Catherine Kelly (Emile) of Baton Rouge, La., Martha Johnson (Sam) of Prince George, Bernard Johnson Sr. of Prince George, William (Leroy) Johnson of Prince George and Dorothy Johnson Lipston of McKenney; 51 grandchildren; 87 great-grandchildren; and 40 great-great-grandchildren. Minnie raised and was also a mother to Emerson, Glen, Martha Ann, David and Derrick. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends and a very special niece, Octavia Williams of Clinton, La.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2009, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Prince George, with the Rev. Phillip E. Knight Sr. officiating. The interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will assemble at the residence one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Turner-Bland Funeral Home, Hopewell, the Rev. William N. Bland Jr., funeral director. Please visit us at our Web site, www.blandenterprisesinc.com.