Eddis Johnson

What a beautiful life, what a beautiful soul that God gave to Rev. G.W. Hunter and Edith Roberson Hunter on January 26, 1935 in the small town of Chidester, AR.  We as her children, grandchildren and extended family had an awesome privilege to feel what God’s love is like by receiving her love.

This union brought together two loving families blending 12 children.  But this union would not be complete without the baby of the family, Eddis.  She came into this world earlier than expected, but definitely right on time, to which she would be termed as a preemie.  She was adored by her parents and siblings.  She was a true daddy’s girl who was spoiled, and everyone knew it.  This little PK (preachers’ kid) regularly traveled from church service to church service with her parents.  Proudly listening to her Father deliver The Word of God.

She adored the way her father took care of his family.  He was not only a minister but an educator in the Chidester School system as well.  She loved the smoke house that often gave off the lovely smoked meat fragrance that was created by her father.  She always looked forward to spending time with him bonding over a cluster of grapes.  She reveled over the hands of her mother who was a “stone good cook.”

At the tender age of 11, Eddis and her siblings experienced a pain that was sorrowful and difficult.  Edith’s health was failing her at the age of 47.  Leaving Eddis to be reared by her father and a few of her siblings.

Eddis attended Chidester Public School and then on to Lincoln High School where she was a drum major in the band high stepping with grace and poise.

As Eddis blossomed into this royal beauty, at the age of 14 she soon met, while walking on the dirt road behind Harvey’s Grocery, a dapper curly haired young man by the name of Hersie Lee Gulley.  Often Hersie Lee would ride along this road admiring this innocent young lady.  Soon after, these two would make their decision to become one in marriage in 1950.  To this union were born 5 blessings, Leotis, Cleotis, Junius (Robert), Herdiscine and Delton.

In May of 1959 she suffered the devastation of losing her loving father. While living in marital bliss, life did not give a warning of what was to take place.  At the age of 25, God called her husband of 10 years home.  Leaving Eddis and her 5 beautiful children to mourn his death in April of 1960. 

Soon Eddis started working at Pace in East Camden and obtained her Cosmetology license.  Eddis had her beauty station added to her home where she took pride in using her gifted growing hands to the crowns of her clients.  Eventually Eddis began working in the barber/beauty salon of Jim Summers.  Later in life Eddis gave birth to her baby girl Sabrina who added the balance she needed in her sweet family.

Her children were the apple of her eye and the beat of her heart.  She ruled her household with sternness.  But protected them with every fiber of being.  She hardly ever was known to have to raise her voice.  This 5’7” raving beauty walked with her head held high, with grace, fearlessness, peace, compassion, and power.  She was a friend to many far and near.  She spent many years in Camden where she raised and attended her children’s school and sporting events. Yes, she did it all while maintaining two jobs and 6 children.  A force to be reckoned with within her family. A woman who is cut from a different cloth.  A woman whose wisdom, love and faith in God helped her in every aspect of Motherhood and livelihood.  What a superlative Mother and Grandmother!!

We as her family rise up and call her blessed.  She taught her children in word and action to love people where they are, be respectful, listen and be watchful.  She raised her children to love each other.  We weren’t the wealthiest family, but our foundation was built on wealthy love towards one another.  We were taught to be cordial and have confidence in what you know because no one can ever take that from you. Her presence had a subtle way of getting our attention with a look of the eyes.   If we got a little beside ourselves it was the words spoken “Nih Heah.” We knew it was time to get in alignment.  Or the slight pinch between those beautiful nails.  Trust this one thing, she did not spare the rod when it was needed…. Some more than others.

She was respected and loved by her family, neighbors, church family and friends.  She was involved in her church activities at St James AME and Shiloh AME Church, Henrietta Chapter of cosmetology, teacher’s assistant at Carver Elementary School, 4-H club, crocheting and taking sewing classes.  

There was never a time over the years that she was not in attendance at family reunions, children and grandchildren’s events/activities, graduations or just visiting with family and friends.  Always involved in her community in some aspect.  The quiet presence drew people to her.  The quiet mannerism.  The look of elegance and refinement that exuded from her was par excellence.

In 1977 Eddis married Jeff Johnson.  She would then make her way back to the small city where she was born.  The two built businesses together and were determined to support their community with their grocery store.  An extension of her work history would be working at the Ramada Inn for a short period of time while building their business together.  After a few years they turned the store into a beauty salon for Eddis which was called Eddis’s Styling Boutique. She worked diligently and patiently with every client.  She treated everyone who entered as if they were her own family.  An environment that was peaceful, inviting, full of laughter, counsel sessions, prayer and encouragement with a soda and a snack to boot.  When family gatherings were in full swing, the grand children would make their way to “the shop” and hang out.   Memories that currently flood the minds and fill the heart.  That was what she did for everyone who entered.

In 1991 Jeff succumbed to his illness.  Again, Eddis gathered herself and persevered as a strong woman of faith and courage.  She continued to grow her business, attend her local church, work at SAU Tech, and enjoy the presence of her family and friends.  As a woman who then had the leisure to travel occasionally enjoyed seeing and experiencing God’s great creation with family and friends.

Eddis, continued to serve her community, at the request of different families, she would bring a smile and brighten the lives of those who were residents of the local nursing facilities by giving them a bit of pampering with a new hairdo and being a care giver to those who needed her.  Selfless, attentive, loving and kind.  She was called to be who she was to those who were unable to take care of themselves.

Living in the arms of Jesus are her parents Rev. George Wright and Edith Hunter.  Her husbands Hersie Lee Gulley and Jeff Johnson.  Siblings Georgia, Obertha, Sarah, Priscilla, Emma, Minerva, Dave, Merleen, Marleen, Ermalene, Vivian, and James.  Lastly son Delton A. Gulley and great-grandson Quintin Miller.

We her remaining children Cleotis (Theresa), Leotis (Julie), Junius (Patricia), Herdiscine (Ronald), Annette (Delton) and Sabrina.  Along with her 95 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren would like to say Mama, Mommy, Ma, Granny, Mamaw, Maw Maw and Granny Granny well done!!  As well as her nieces, nephews, and extended family.  You, our Matriarch have given us more love, conversations, support, embraces, presence, smiles, wisdom, and life lessons than we could ever imagine.  The reassurance that everything will be ok, the boost and encouragement that we can make it.  The soft touch that only a Mother/Grandmother could give.  You were there quietly supporting us through every page of our lives whether it was pain or glory.  From your children, we are grateful and humbled to have shared air and space, love, rearing and discipline with our greatest blessing.  All of your favorites can truly say, “No one can ever take the place of our Dear Mother and Grandmother.”

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, May 20, 2023 at St. James AME, 241 Center Street, Camden, AR.  Burial will be in Eternal Rest Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 5:00PM to 8:30PM.