Julieus Mae Johnson

Julieus Mae Johnson (née Seals) was born in Crenshaw, Mississippi, on August 14, 1944, to Ollie Bell Pittman and J.D. Seals. She was one of ten children born to Ollie Bell.
After the loss of her mother at the age of eight, Julieus and her sister, Icora, accepted Christ at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Drew, Mississippi, and were baptized in the waters of Long Lake.
During her early childhood, she moved several places, but Gary, Indiana, became her permanent home.
She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964 and was the epitome of school pride. She served on the booster club and remained an active alumna for many years, staying involved for as long as her health allowed.
Not long after her graduation, she was introduced to Ernest Johnson, "God's gift to her." They were married in 1974, and two daughters, Amy Camille and Jorie Kylene, were born to this union.
Although Julieus retired from Methodist Hospital, she discovered her gift of sewing in her high school home economics class. What started as a simple scarf and an apron grew into a lifelong passion. Her daughters were often adorned in matching outfits as children. She also created their dresses for formal dances and included them in trips to fabric stores, where she would pore over patterns and fabrics for hours. Over time, her talent extended beyond her home as she created wedding dresses and provided alterations for friends and family. She even created costumes for many Bishop Noll Theatre productions. Sewing, along with baking cakes, was one of the ways she expressed her love. Her desserts and side dishes were often a perfect complement to her husband's barbecue.
Julieus also enjoyed gardening and often shared this gift with her church, 5th Avenue United Methodist Church. She also served as a teacher for Sunday and Vacation Bible School.
Julieus loved her family and took joy in the labor required to ensure the continuance of the Pittman Family reunions, started by her late brother, Ulysses, in 1969. She spearheaded the Pittman Family Education Committee to fund scholarships for youth in the Pittman family in recognition of academic excellence. As a reflection of her commitment to this work, she collected cans and sold dinners to her community to raise funds. During the 55th annual reunion, she was honored with a scholarship established in her name.
Julieus was a woman of generous spirit, known for giving freely and making sure her loved ones had what they needed. She carried a strong sense of pride and spoke her mind without hesitation; you always knew where she stood. She was naturally curious and kept up with everything going on, always aware and engaged with the people around her.
She loved sports, especially live basketball, bowling, and baseball games. She also found joy in watching The Andy Griffith Show, The People's Court, Judge Mathis, and Judge Judy. She enjoyed QVC, classic Shirley Temple films, sipping Seagram's ginger ale, and settling in with a good western. Her infectious laughter, love of dancing, and stylish way of dress will be deeply missed.
In 2011, her life shifted with the loss of her husband and companion of almost 40 years, Ernest Johnson.
Julieus Mae Johnson peacefully departed this life at home on April 10, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
In addition to her husband, Ernest, she was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jossie Robinson; her sister-in-law, Julia Flowers; and her brothers: Pavie Seals, James Alsberry (Tommy) Seals, Romancy Flowers, McChristian Flowers, Ulysses Flowers, and Rudolph Flowers.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Amy C. Johnson and Jorie K. (Frank) Logan; her goddaughter, Audra Y. Cooper; her sisters, Rubenia Ellis and Icora V. Miller; her lifelong friend, Doris M. Cooper; her special friend, Leroy Cooper Jr.; her bonus grandchildren, Joshua (Daniel), Tyler, and Hydeia; a host of well-loved nieces and nephews, ALL of whom were her favorites; and many dear friends and classmates.
Visitation Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services at Christ United Methodist Church, 201 W. Ridge Road in Gary, Indiana. Pastor Chris Matthews-Officiating. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, Indiana