Opal T. Johnson

Johnson, Opal T. 84 04/20/1926 03/06/2011 Opal Thresa was born April 20, 1926, in Atlanta, Texas, the youngest of eight children. At the age of 18 she moved to Vanport. In 1946 she moved to Portland where she resided until her death. Opal worked in the Oregon shipyards and as a housekeeper. She ended her working career with the Portland Progress House where she cooked for over 25 years. In June 1961 Opal Webster married the Rev. Samuel Johnson. Three children were brought to this union; and oh, was Opal T. the involved mother! Church and family were her life and in most cases one couldn't differentiate between the two. She held dual memberships with two churches-Walker Temple COGIC, which she joined in 1946, and Highland United Church of Christ where her husband served as pastor from 1968 until his death in 1981. Mother Opal, as she was fondly referred to, was active in all facets of church life up until the day the Lord took her home, but she was especially known for her mission outreach work and the creation of the Sam Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Through these and other programs she touched the lives of so many individuals. Opal T. leaves to love and treasure her memories her sons, Samuel Jr. (Connie) and Richard; daughter, Vera Watson (Leonard); six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many family members and friends. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Highland United Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sam Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Highland UCC, 7600 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, OR 97213.