Johnnie Mae Chavis

Johnnie Mae "Henrietta" Bradley Chavis went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, June 2, 2024. She was born in Osteen, Florida, on August 13, 1947, to the late Rev. Henry L. and Johnnie Mae Robinson Bradley; and raised by the late Earnest and Helen Robinson.
She attended the public schools of Volusia County and graduated from Southwestern Junior Senior High School in 1965. Johnnie Mae earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Florida A&M University in 1979. Johnnie Mae worked for the State of Florida and City of Tallahassee in the field of Social Work for more than 30 years.
While in Tallahassee, she met and fell in love with the late Lattamore E. Chavis, and from their union produced two wonderful children, Michael and Michelle, who were her pride and joy.
Johnnie Mae was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She had a love for people, reading, singing, and her community. She was an active member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, FL, for more than 30 years. While a member of Tabernacle, Johnnie Mae actively participated in the implementation of several programs which remain in place today. She was also an active member of the United Ebonette5s.
Johnnie Mae returned to Lake Helen, Florida in 2005. Due to her strong desire to serve others, she began volunteering in the community immediately. She was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she served in several capacities of increasing responsibility. She was an active member of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association, Volusia County Chapter. She also was a longtime member of St. Paul Baptist Church where she served as the St. Paul's Church President of the Women's Association.
Johnnie Mae served as the Director and Program Coordinator of the Massey-James Youth Center, where she spearheaded a number of community activities. She founded the Super Seniors at the St. Paul Baptist Church, the Chisholm Center, and the Massey-James Youth Center. She started the Souperbowl Sunday for Seniors, Pretty Hat Tea, Stay at Home Tea, Outreach Ministries, and sponsored countless Food, Coat, Health and Back to School Drives.
She, along with the following staff from the Massey-James Youth Center: Gloria Whites, Barbara Patrick, Ann Smith, and Stephanie Adams, provided caring kits for local churches, partnered with the Food for Hope program in Pierson, Florida, provided school supplies, and furnished formal gowns to battered women. Johnnie Mae organized Gift From the Heart, the New Hope Human Services Hands of Hope, the Steppin with a Hat-A-Tude, Veteran programs, numerous Juneteenth Celebrations, and the Reading Academy.
Johnnie Mae played a key role in establishing the Unity in Community of Lake Helen and served as the Lake Helen Event Planner.
One of Johnnie Mae's greatest accomplishments was being a published author of the book Author of Life's Treasures, An Inspirational Moment.
Johnnie Mae's memory will forever be cherished by her son Michael Chavis (Dana), Knoxville, Tennessee; her daughter Michelle Chavis, Clermont, Florida; her beautiful granddaughter Mikaela Chavis, Atlanta, Georgia; Sisters: Joy Frances Leonard, Orlando, Florida; Rose Bradley, Lake Helen, Florida; Gertrude Kendrick, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Juanita Edwards, Deland, Florida; Brothers: Rev. Henry Bradley (Evelyn), Deland, Florida; Rev. David Bradley (Cynthia), Daytona, Florida; and Ivan Bradley (Tonya), Deland Florida; Godchildren: Todd and Tiffany Sanders, Tallahassee, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.