Esther Y. "Red" Johnson

Esther Yvonne Johnson was born in Enfield, North Carolina on January 25, 1942 to the late John Arthur Johnson and Esther Rene Johnson.
She attended Eastman High School before moving to Washington DC where she graduated from Cardozo High School. In her High School years, she participated in Band as a snare drummer. This would eventually inspire her son Aubrey to acquire a passion for Drumming.
In her youth, she attended Wayman AME, the family's church, and was educated in the Halifax County school district in North Carolina. She attended Eastman High School before moving to Washington DC where she graduated from Cardozo High School.
As a young working adult, one of her most cherished (and most discussed) memories was that of serving prominent dignitaries and politicians as a waitress in the Capital District of DC. Yvonne moved to Paterson, New Jersey in 1966. Shortly after, Alabama Projects became her place of residence. In 1979, she moved her family to Riverside Terrace, better known as Fifth Ave., where she quickly became a pillar in the community while raising four headstrong boys. In the course of time, she put her skills to use and became an exceptional caregiver for a few senior women.
Yvonne was especially known for her love and talent for cooking. She was a master in the kitchen ensuring those around her always had plenty to eat. She enjoyed traveling throughout the east coast visiting family and friends and instilled in her children the importance of family heritage. Her love for music classics included songs by Jimmy Reed and Sam Cooke.
On Tuesday March 12, 2024, Esther Yvonne Johnson, peacefully departed this life at the age of 82.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her dearly loved son, Sterling Brinkley, as well as her siblings, Arthur Johnson, Josephine Wilkins, and Leroy Johnson.
Yvonne is survived by her children Dan Aubrey Brinkley, John Johnson, and Knick (Michele) Johnson; grandchildren Heather, Nikayle, Danielle, Avery and Kayla; Eleven great great-grandchildren, Sister-In-Law Mary Johnson (LuLu), Aunt Joyce Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
The family of Esther Johnson would like to thank all who have extended comfort during the homegoing of our loved one. Words are not adequate to express how blessed we are to have caring friends like you. Please keep us in your prayers and may God bless you.