Phyllis Maxine Johnson

Phyllis Maxine Johnson was born on October 3, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Thomas and Merle Cork. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, she went home to be with the Lord. She was one of five children: Thomas Cork Jr. (deceased), Joyce Cork (deceased), Darryl Cork (deceased), and Gregory Cork. She was preceded in death by her husband, Preston Johnson, and three grandchildren, Donté, Jaleese, and Nicholas.

Phyllis graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and was actively involved in her church community at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Her journey of faith grew deeper during her last sixteen years, living at the Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Jr. Senior Living Center. She loved attending the Friday afternoon bible studies led by Rev. Murray.

Throughout her life, Phyllis faced many obstacles and consistently demonstrated steadfast perseverance through adversity. She became a single parent early in life, which presented many challenges. However, her fierce independence and determination allowed her to take the arduous but necessary steps to provide for her family. She often left for the bus stop before sunrise and returned after sunset, braving dark hours courageously at a time when it was difficult to navigate such circumstances as a woman.

Phyllis was employed by Edward H. Schmidt & Sons for about thirty years. She was an exemplary employee, rising to the rank of Supervisor in the Customer Service department. A natural leader, Phyllis, was exceptional at problem-solving and process improvement.

After becoming an empty nester, Phyllis began travelling with the Trava-Leers club. She loved sharing her memories with her friends and family, particularly the time she met basketball players on a cruise. Her family knew of her natural affinity for meeting celebrities, most notably in her admiration of Muhammad Ali.

In her mid-fifties, Phyllis suffered two debilitating strokes, resulting in the loss of use of her dominant left hand/arm and partial loss of her left leg. Though she had become legally disabled, she fought like a warrior through rehabilitation and was determined to return to work. Yet again, the obstacles were great, but she persevered through them all.

It was amazing how she became so skilled using her non-dominant right hand. Her disability did not diminish her God-given creativity. She loved making cards, journals, scrapbooks, and so much more. Creations by Phyllis are keepsakes that her loved ones will cherish for years to come.

Phyllis spent much of her time with family and her community friends at Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Senior Sr. Living Center and even at Northwest Healthcare Center, where she spent a few weeks prior to her passing.

During her last few months, as her health declined, she found relaxation in coloring with pencils and experienced immense joy in watching and listening to the gospel songs of Chris Blue (Season 12 winner of The Voice and now with Gaither Music).

On her last day on this earth, Phyllis, a fighter to the end, stood her ground one last time. She did not feel well, but she got up, went to Physical Therapy, ready to fight through the obstacles again, emblematic of the perseverance that is possible through a relationship with Christ:

1. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding] John 16:33 (AMP).

Phyllis is survived by her daughter; Sherri Harper (Terrence), her sons, Keith Baker, Dereak Malone, and Jeff Malone; five grandchildren, Jeff Jr., Melissa, Terrence II, Phillip, Darius, and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends who were like family.