Claudia G. Johnson

Mrs. Claudia Gene Woods Gardner Johnson was born and reared in the East Florence Community, November 24, 1942, as a product of Gaillard Street, the oldest daughter of the late Claudia Myers and Eugene Woods. Claudia heard her Masters’ call on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the age of 81 to come home.

At an early age she joined the Savannah Grove Baptist Church, Effingham, South Carolina under the leadership of the Reverend David J. Lunn. Claudia’s church affiliations were the Senior Choir, Vesper Singers, Jubilee Adult Choir, Youth Choir Director of the Fifth Sunday Choir and the Sanctuary Choir. In 1968 under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Ralph W. Canty, Claudia cherished her time on the radio program with the “Canty Singers”.

Claudia was affectionately known to most of us, as “Bootsie “. She was a 1961 graduate of Wilson High School where she participated in Basketball and Track and Field for the Mighty Tigers. During that era, Bootsie was a participant of the “The Lunch Counter Sit In” at S. H. Kress Store in downtown Florence on Dargan & Evans Street in Florence, SC; March 3 & 4,1960. She shared with several of us this dynamic experience that brought great attention to her sole of expressions and the needs of our community. She was honored at the Historical Marker on Evans Street. This experience was a protest, organized and carried out by forty-eight Wilson High School age students who were members of the Youth Branch of the Florence National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) that marched from Trinity Baptist Church to S. H. Kress & Company to sit at the lunch counter. This movement closed the KRESS store for ten years. Kress re-opened in 1970 with service for all. Bootsie moved to New York City, where she lived briefly with family.

In 1963, she wed John Gardner and to this union they had two children, Rhonda Gardner and John Eric Gardner. She later married Mr. Leroy Johnson, Sr. and joined Trinity Baptist Church under the Leadership of Reverend Dr. W. P. Diggs. After wedding Mr. Johnson, she became a member of the Chancel and Gospel Choirs and Esther Missionary Circle. She also enjoyed James A. Miller Sunday School Class. After her health declined, she returned to her home church Savannah Grove Baptist Church and with family continued her mission to serve God.

Claudia’s first employment was with Electric Motors as a technician. She became a Dental Assistant by trade. Mrs. Ernestine Sargent of Florence was her protégé under the auspices of Dr. George Williams, Sr. (Florence Dentist) until his demise. She retired as a Dental Assistant with the Department of Corrections (Evans in Bennettsville, South Carolina) in the Medical Department. Claudia was a great “Singer” and took pride in her music. She was featured in the concert for the Boys Club of Florence to raise money with the Women’s Auxiliary for the new Club House now, on Roughfork Street. Her music of Voice took her around the World.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Gail Woods Williams; husband, Leroy S. Johnson; a grandson, Brandon Mims; and one great grandson, Master RD Dennis.

She leaves to cherish her memories; a daughter of the home and devoted caregiver, Rhonda A. Gardner; a son, John Eric (Johnna) Gardner; four grandchildren, Jessica (Roderich) Dennis of Gainesville, Florida, Erica (Darrell) Graham of Darlington, South Carolina, John Eric (Latisha Mann) Gardner, Jr. of Florence, South Carolina; and Master Jacob (JT) Gardner; a niece, Alanna Hudson of Effingham, South Carolina; two great nieces, Andreana Hudson and Drenya Hudson, Effingham, South Carolina; two godchildren, Adagia Griffin and Anesia Donya Jenkins; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends at the home daily from 2PM - 8PM at 3823 Gillespie Lane, Effingham.

Please keep the family of Claudia Woods Gardner Johnson in your thoughts and prayers.