Rosaland F. Johnson

Rosaland Freeman Johnson was one of nine children born on February 22, 1944, to William and Ailean Freeman in McCormick County, South Carolina. She was blessed to grow up in a strong, close-knit Christian family. At a young age, she confessed to Christ, received Him as her Lord and Savior, and became a member of Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

During her early childhood, her parents moved the family to Martinez, Georgia, where they cultivated land and continued building a home rooted in faith and love. As with many large families, Rosaland embraced responsibilities that helped the household thrive. Even with those responsibilities, she remained dedicated to her education and always found time to study. A gifted learner, she excelled academically and was skipped ahead in the eighth grade. She graduated from Blanchard Consolidated High School in 1962. Rosaland dreamed of going to college, and after much persuasion and tears, her parents agreed, making her the first of her siblings to pursue higher education.

Rosaland married Harvey L. Johnson, and Aubrey and Tammy were born from this union. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and began her career at James Fleming School as the first African American teacher at an all-white school in Richmond County. She later taught at John M. Tutt, where her passion for education continued to shape the lives of young people.

Rosaland possessed a natural gift for creativity and design. In 1978, she opened Blossom House International Florist, which quickly became a well-known brand in the Augusta community. Long after the business closed, she continued to share her artistic talents, designing floral arrangements for churches, decorating events, crafting pieces for her nieces’ weddings, and creating beautiful jewelry. She delighted in tending her yard and could spend hours in Lowe's gardening aisles.

She later returned to the classroom at Augusta State Medical Prison, where she retired as an Adult Education Instructor, and Augusta Youth Detention Center (YDC). Known for her no-nonsense, disciplinarian approach, she held her students to high standards. Even in correctional settings, her students recognized her genuine care; she was deeply respected, and they often protected her because they knew she wanted them to succeed and change their lives. Through every assignment, she carried an unwavering commitment to education, believing deeply in the potential within every student.

Her spiritual foundation took shape in her early years at Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she witnessed servant leadership modeled by her grandfather, who founded and pastored the church, and her father, who served as a deacon. As an adult, she joined St. Mark United Methodist Church and faithfully served on various committees. She later returned to Laura Grove, where her passion for God and Christian discipleship deepened. She was devoted to Christian education and served as the Christian Education Director; she also became the first woman to serve on the Trustee Ministry.

Rosaland was hardworking, diligent, and carried an excellent spirit. She loved reading—especially books by John Grisham, James Patterson, John Maxwell, and numerous Christian authors and biblical commentaries. Her desire to learn and grow spiritually was steadfast.

On November 15, 2025, Rosaland transitioned peacefully from this life to be with the Lord. She loved her family deeply and leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, creativity, and perseverance. She is survived by her children, Aubrey (Suzanne) Johnson of Burnsville, MN, and Tammy (Mike) Miller of Douglasville, GA; her grandchildren, Erin Johnson, Dr. April (Jared) Johnson, Jackson Miller, and Ethan Miller; four brothers, Bennie (Almeata) Freeman of Martinez, GA, Raymond (Mary) Freeman of Martinez, GA, Daniel Freeman of Prattville, AL, and Floyd Freeman of Hephzibah, GA; two sisters, Gracey (Robert) Leverett of Evans, GA, and Marcella (Solomon) Glover of Evans, GA; two sisters-in-law, Mamie Freeman of Martinez, GA, and Ethel Freeman of Augusta, GA; one aunt, Bennie Lee Freeman Belgrave of Augusta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family who will forever cherish her memory.

Rosaland lived a life marked by faith, love, excellence, and service. Her legacy will continue to bloom in every heart she touched.