Ellove Johnson

What is in a Name?

Amidst the poverty and racial segregation of the early 1920's, access to hospitals for medical care and childbirth was rare for Black families in Louisiana. Although Theodore Donaldson, Sr.and Caldonia King could not offer their newest addition the privilege of a hospital birth, they saw to it that she would enter the world surrounded by love and care with the support of a midwife. On November 5, 1928, perhaps tired from childbirth or sensing the midwife's recognition of something special about her newborn, Caldonia allowed the midwife to name her fifth child. She would be called Ellove-a combination of El, the Hebrew word for God, and Love. "God is love," the midwife explained. Caldonia agreed. This would prove to be more than a name, but a prophetic mantle that Ellove Donaldson, who would eventually be referred to affectionately as "Mother," would carry for all her life.

When Mother was born, she joined older siblings Aldonia, Mathilda, Melvin, Alvin, and later became a big sister to Theodore Jr., Joseph, and Barbara Donaldson Russell. Despite being one of the youngest siblings, she had the maturity and nurturing spirit of a firstborn-often caring for her siblings and ensuring that family household ran smoothly. In fact, Mother left school in the 10th grade to care for her mother and siblings. Although she sacrificed traditional schooling for a time, Mother never stopped learning. She read voraciously to supplement her formal education and was determined that a pause in her schooling would not limit her dreams. She would later return to collect the degrees and accolades she had put on hold during her teen years. As if given the gift of accelerated time in exchange for the early sacrifices she made, Mother earned multiple degrees in rapid succession: a high school diploma (January 25, 1977), a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education (June 9, 1992), a Master's of Religious Education (June 1997), a Graduate Specialist in Theology (June 2, 1998), and a Doctor of Religious Education (May 25, 1999).

Alongside the impressive timeline of reclaiming her formal education, Mother embraced marriage and motherhood. She wed Monroe Johnson Sr. on March 25, 1950, and remained devoted throughout their 35 years together until his passing. She became the mother to thirteen children- Inez Jones Holmes deceased(Leroy Sr.), Mary L. Johnson Archille Crank (Rev. Willie Mackdeceased), Monroe Johnson Jr., Alvin Moses Johnson(deceased), Curtis Johnson (Donna), Joyce Johnson Russ (Terry deceased), Stanford Johnson, Carolyn Johnson Singleton(Cedric), Alice Johnson, Wanda Johnson Blount deceased(Eddie), Madeline Johnson Slack (deceased), Joseph Patrick Johnson, Jowava Johnson (Angie), and two adopted sons Bobby Johnson (deceased) and Robert Johnson from Monroe's previous marriage.

Among her children, she would be known as the disciplinarian and the steady hand. The children learned that asking their father was the smoothest path to receiving a "yes" when they wanted permission to do something, but their father eventually coined the response, "Well, you've got to go see your mother," because she had the final say. Mother's command and assurance would sustain her family as she navigated life as a widow after her husband went home to be with the Lord on September 25, 1985.

Mother's commitment to love and service extended far beyond her household. Professionally, she served as a Kindergarten and Head Start teacher in Louisiana's Jefferson Parish school system for many years, shaping young minds at the very start of their journeys.

Nurturing her family and Jefferson Parish's schoolchildren did not impede Mother from serving her local church. She dedicated many years to serving as a church Mother at Marrero's Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church. She was well-known in the community for her work within the church and her missionary contributions, which birthed generations of believers. Additionally, she faithfully served as a member at Saint John Baptist Church in Waggaman, La. For several years, Mother ran a profitable bar and restaurant but later closed it in deference to her Christian faith. This decision was evidence of her commitment to her spiritual walk and trust in God's provision.

For 97 years, Mother carried the mantle given to her at birth. Whether raising her children, caring for her extended family, instructing children in the community, or serving in her church, Mother's life was truly a reflection that God is Love.

Now, having finished her race, Mother is resting from her journey and wrapped in the Father's embrace. She was preceded in death by her parents, each of her siblings, her husband, four of her children, and a dear friend, Margaret Hobbs Ruffin, who was like a sister. Mother leaves behind a legacy of faith for three generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves an indelible mark upon all who were blessed to know and love her, including Marion Lyons a devoted mentee and friend, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and community members.

Family and friends are invited to the funeral service on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, 6533 Acre Road, Marrero, LA 70072.

The Visitation will be from 8:00 AM until the time of service.

The Interment will follow at Restlawn Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3450 US - 90 W, Avondale, LA 70094.

Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.