Earnestine Johnson

Celebrating a Life Filled with Creativity, Love, & Laughter

Earnestine Johnson was born on June 12, 1956, in Gainesville, GA, as the seventh bundle of joy for Bennie and Elizabeth Johnson. From her earliest days, Earnestine had a spark that lit up every room-curious, creative, and endlessly imaginative. As a young girl, she discovered her passion for nephology (yes, the study of clouds!), spending countless hours gazing upward and finding dragons, castles, and adventures in the sky. This sense of wonder never left her.

At East Hall High School, Earnestine combined her love of learning with her love of performing, dazzling crowds as a majorette. Her baton-twirling wasn't just good-it was spectacular. Whatever Earnestine set her mind to, she mastered with style and grace.

After her children graduated from high school, Earnestine pursued her passion. She studied computer programming at Lanier Technical College before finding her true calling as an educator in the Gainesville City School system. There, she transformed classrooms into creative workshops, sharing her enthusiasm for arts and crafts. But her most treasured students were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who spent hours with her decorating cookies, learning to sew, and creating memories that sparkled with love and laughter.

While visual arts were her specialty, Earnestine's creativity extended to her love of music, especially Tupac, whose beats she and her son Benji would enjoy together. Their relationship was a beautiful exchange-he brought her swag, she imparted wisdom-teaching him how to cook -and that respect is earned, not given freely. Earnestine became Benji's personal "weather reporter" when he traveled, but their phone calls ranged far beyond forecasts. They'd dive into everything from perfecting recipes to navigating relationships, their conversations flowing as easily as the music they shared. It was a bond that combined laughter, life lessons, and unconditional love.

Adventure was a constant companion in Earnestine's life. She and her daughter Tashiana became the ultimate travel duo, creating unforgettable memories at Niagara Falls, in New York City, soaking up sunshine on the beaches of Pensacola, shopping through Montreal, and enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago. While in Pensacola, Earnestine even tried Zumba-because she believed life was meant to be lived fully and joyfully.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and sadness, Earnestine did what she did best: she transformed difficulty into something beautiful. She sewed colorful, personalized masks for friends and family, turning a necessity into an expression of love and care. Even in challenging times, she found ways to brighten the world.

Earnestine's legacy is one of creativity, courage, and boundless love. The memories she wove into the hearts of everyone who knew her will continue to shine as brightly as her infectious personality. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Elizabeth Johnson; her siblings, Carolyn Witherspoon and William Johnson; and her grandchildren, Sexton Rucker and Noah Gray.

Celebrating her life are her children, Tashiana Cheeks and Hiram Lipscomb, Jr.; her sisters, Linda Buffington, Margaret (Otis) Hendrix, Johnnie Curry, Nancy (Jerry) Ellison, and Eddye (Jerry) Pittmon; her grandchildren, Elijah Lipscomb, Sarai Lipscomb, Jackie 'Angel' Lipscomb, and Israel 'Izzy-Mama' Lipscomb; and her great-grandchildren, London Lipscomb, Kyius Whitt, MeLani Babcock, Valentino Gray, and Loyal Babcock; and a host of extended family, friends, and community members.