Thelma V. Johnson

1948 - 2025

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Mrs. Thelma V. Johnson peacefully took the hand of the Lord and entered into eternal rest. She departed this life at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Hampton, Georgia. Mother Johnson was born on June 20, 1948, in Yale, Virginia, to the late Benjamin and Minnie Brown.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 48 years, Mr. Lovelle A. Johnson; brothers, Robert Lee Brown, John Brown, and Willie Brown, Sr.; sisters, Brenda Brown and Merceil Blakes; daughter-in-law, Karen Johnson; stepdaughter, Priscilla Evans; step-grandsons, Jamar Johnson and Desmond Johnson; and granddaughter, Diane Ingram.

Mother Johnson was baptized in Jesus’ Name at Cornerstone COOLJC, under the leadership of Elder Parham. She later joined Mission Church COOLJC, where she served faithfully under the leadership of District Elder Melvin D. Taylor. During her many years of service, she held positions as Pastor’s Aide President, member of the Mother’s Board, Missionary, and Women’s Council Ministry. She loved singing with the 50 Plus Choir and the Mass Choir.

Following the passing of her husband, Mother Johnson relocated to Georgia, where she attended Bible Way Ministries International under the leadership of Bishop Monte Norwood.

Mother Johnson graduated from Peabody High School in Petersburg, Virginia. She was employed at Petersburg General Hospital, also known as Southside Regional Medical Center, where she faithfully served for 37 years as a secretary before retiring.

Mother Johnson leaves to cherish her loving memories: her devoted daughter and caregiver, Candace Cardoza (Sean) and son, Alphonzo Johnson; stepchildren, Shelia Williams (Larry), Tamatha Johnson, and Lorenzo Johnson (Shelia); devoted grandchildren who also served as caregivers, Ma’Kayla Nicholas, Joshua Johnson, and Amiyah Cardoza; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Rudolph Brown (Roslin); sisters, Queen Brown and Linda Coles; brother-in-law, Edward Johnson; sister-in-law, Deborah Callaway; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and devoted friends.

Mother Johnson truly loved serving the Lord. She cherished cooking Sunday dinner for her family and enjoyed watching Lifetime movies, Matlock, In the Heat of the Night, and Little House on the Prairie. She was well-known for her famous potato salad and was deeply respected throughout the Blandford community.

Her favorite scripture was Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

The family of Thelma Johnson wishes to express our sincere gratitude for every expression of love shown during our time of bereavement. Your phone calls, visits, flowers, kind words, and prayers have been a source of comfort and strength. May God continue to bless each of you.

Special thanks are extended to Compassus Hospice, Cornerstone Caregiving of Fayetteville, Georgia, Keita Banks, RN of Prince George, Virginia, and the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. May God bless you all.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, Elder Melvin Taylor, eulogist and Bishop Monte Norwood, officiant. The interment will to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.