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Frances Johns Obituary
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Reginald Johns Sr.
Dr. Johns strongly believed in education. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Virginia State University, her Masters Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her crowning accomplishment was receiving her Doctorate Degree from Nova University in 1980.
During her professional career, she proudly served in the fields of social work and higher education. An eloquent speaker, favorite professor, dedicated social worker and mentor to many, Dr. Johns will be missed by the professional community as well as her community of family and friends.
She was very active in numerous community and professional organizations and served on several Boards. Since 1972, she has been a loyal and active member of her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She was also very involved in the life of her church, Carver Memorial Presbyterian, where she had served as Superintendent of Sunday School and an ordained Deacon. Another passion of hers was membership in the Peninsula League of Women, where she proudly served the community and sponsored debutantes for over 15 years.
The family wishes to express great appreciation to the staff members of Coliseum Park Nursing Home for their love, care and concern during the past several years.
Dr. Johns is survived by her daughter, Harriette Johns Arrington of Hampton; sons, B. Leon Walker of Dale City, Reginald Jr. of Chester, Pa.; five grandsons, Jaime Manselle Arrington, Reginald Johns III, Carter Johns, Brian Maddox, Deon Arrington; two granddaughters, Reon Walker Riley, Lisa Arrington Coleman; special granddaughter, Siomara Dingle; one brother, William Mansell; one sister, Cleo Mansell Leath; six great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Ave., Newport News. Funeral Services will be held at noon Thursday, Sept. 18, at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Lawrence Willis. Burial will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Memorial scholarship donations may be made in Frances' memory to Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, 830-25th Street, Newport News, VA 23607.
Arrangements are by O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frances Johns
Diane Jones
October 12, 2008
I learned of your Mother's passing today.
I met her thirty years ago in Middlesex County. We started teaching together, she was a smart and caring woman. My prayers are sent to your family.
Marjorie B. Ellis
September 18, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Jacquelyn Maddox
September 18, 2008
God bless all of you, and grant you strength during your time of loss.
Jacquelyn Maddox,Jacksonville, N.C.
Brian Maddox
September 18, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time .
Brian and Rhonda Maddox
Lizzie Robinson
September 18, 2008
Our deepest Sympathy to you all, sorry we cannot be there but our prayers are with you.
Lizzie Ann Henderson Robinson, South Carolina.
Reggie Roach
September 17, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the family of cousin Queen, and may God grant you peace and comfort.
Reggie Roach and family, New York
LOUIS REAVES
September 17, 2008
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. AUNT FRANCES WAS A GOOD FRIEND WHO I DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF KNOWING BETTER. SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED BY ALL.
Rodgerline Taylor
September 17, 2008
Harriet,
I would like to express my deepest love and sympathy to you and your family. May you remember the joyful times and reflect on a life well lived. God Bless.
Rodgerline
Michael Williams-Hickman
September 17, 2008
Dearest Harriette,
May God continue to bless you and your family in the loss of your dear mother. Dr. Johns was a fine outstanding woman of courage who was loved by all who knew her. I'm proud to say I am one of those who knew and loved her.
Take comfort in knowing she is now in God's hands.
The Hickman Family is here to support you.
Mary Sue Mansell
September 17, 2008
To The Family,
May The grace of God bring you peace and comfort of your love one.She will be missed in our family reunion at the church. Here in South Carolina,
Love,
Mary S. Mansell
Willis Johnson
September 17, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Gabriele Drake
September 17, 2008
To Harriette and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. You know I know what you and your family are going through. If there is anything I can do please let me know. God be with you and bring peace to you and your family at this difficult time.
Gabriele Drake and The Varner Family
Shiryl and LeMeshia Moody
September 16, 2008
Dear Harriette:
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Norma Olivencia
September 16, 2008
To my dear friend Harriette,
It saddened me to hear of your mother's passing. Reading about her accomplishments and inspiration, I know she led and lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. Love, comfort, and peace to you and your family.
James Phillips
September 16, 2008
To Harriette and Family,
Please know that Wateetah and I are thinking about you during this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I can tell from her obituary that your mother placed a high value on education and she devoted her life to educating others.
Dorlyne Washington-Brown
September 16, 2008
To Harriette and family, I was sadden to hear of the loss of a strong, well minded, outspoken, gentle, staright to the point, educated, christian, concern of others, mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt, devoted church member Dr, Johns. She will be missed in many ways. To the family hold on to the times that was most memorable to you and that will carry you through this time. She will be missed but NEVER forgotten. Stay srong
Mary Shake
September 16, 2008
Dear Harriette,
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Mary
George Foy
September 16, 2008
On behalf of my Mother,Nellie Roach Foy,I would like to extend our sincere condolences for the lost of your loved one,as a young boy growing up,the name "Cousin Queen" still rings vividly in my ear,as she speaks fondly of her First Cousin,during our Sunday visits to My Grandmother's house in the Titistown section of Norfolk,Va.Rest in Peace Cousin Queen.
Shelia Hobbs
September 16, 2008
Dr. Arrington
You have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mother. May you be comforted in knowing that others will be in prayer for you as you make this painful transition. Be Blessed and know that in this most difficult time that God will keep his promise to never leave you nor forsake you.
Issi Patterson
September 16, 2008
Dr. Arrington and Family,
Thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. You're definitley in my thoughts and prayers. May you and Jaime hold on and be strong together during this difficult time. God bless you.
Tyronne Foy
September 16, 2008
Queen, Though we haven't seen each other in a long time, You & our related families have been in my thoughts, especially this passed year. You will not be forgotten.
May God grant you & your family blessings in His name. I'll see you at the reunion on the other side.
Your Cousin
Beulah Mitchell Davis (HHS 1970)
September 16, 2008
Reginald and Family,
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to each of you at the passing of Dr. Mrs. Johns. I did not know her, but knowing Reginald from school and the neighborhood, exemplifies the bright, kind and respectable person she must have been.
May you all be comforted at this most difficult time.
Be encouraged and blessed.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
September 16, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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