Earnestine Johnson

  Earnestine (Davis) Johnson transitioned to her eternal resting place August 23, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Athens Georgia to the late Lynwood H. Sr. and Florence (Starks) Davis. Earnestine Johnson graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford, CT in 1957. In November of 1958 she married the love of her life, the late Leroy Johnson Jr. Out of that union came 5 children Rochelle (John Campbell) Johnson of Springfield, MA; Patricia Cruz of Meriden, CT; Dora Johnson of East Hartford, CT; Crystal (Robert) Thomas of Bloomfield, CT; and Lawrence (Evelyn) Johnson of Carrollton GA. She has nine grandchildren Tasha Johnson, James, Nathan, and Shante Cruz, Charelle and Shanequa Lindsey, Erica and Trevon Brown and Jovan Campbell. She has 25 great-grandchildren (2 predeceased) and 4 great-great grandchildren and many Godchildren.

  She also leaves behind her beloved twin sister Celestine Davis of Hartford, CT; her devoted sisters Rev. Amelia Smith of Windsor CT; Noami Smith and Patrica (Edward) Harrington all of Hartford, CT and her brother Charles Davis of Hartford, CT. She was predeceased by brothers Lynwood H. Jr. and Eric Davis; sisters Delores Maranita Davis and Edith Davis. She also leaves behind three sisters-in-law Clara Bunn of Springfield, MA; Charlotte (Todd) Payne of Florida; and Patricia Davis of Hartford, CT, and a host of nieces and nephews (predeceased niece Sandra Bell and 2 nephews Ronn Johnson and Glenn Davis).

  Earnestine Johnson loved the Lord and she was a faithful and active member of Alden Baptist Church for 62 years. She served as follows: hosted and cooked for the annual senior citizens dinner at Alden and prepared the holiday food baskets. She was a Deaconess, a member of Missionary Society, the Pastor’s Aide, the ABC Players, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Usher Board. She was also a member of Inspirational Choir; Alden Delegate to United Baptist Convention of MA, NH and RI (UBC); Springfield Freedom Choir and served as Alden’s Delegate to the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Inc. She was on the UBC’s Women Auxiliary, supported its Valentine Tea in the Western MA area and served on its Congress of Christian Education Committee. She was a member of Church Women United, the New England Conference and a founding member and Chairperson of the United Church Ushers, Inc. She was a member of Golden Agers, Raymond Jordan Senior Center (fka Mason Square Senior Center), and the Bay Neighborhood Council/Mason Square C3. She led the ongoing efforts to keep Hennessy Park safe and clean and decorated for the holidays.

 She was also given a day in honor of her by Mayor Domenic J Sarno, Earnestine Johnson Day July 18. In addition to mothering her own children and grandchildren, she took countless other children under her wing and showered them with love and encouragement. She had a kind and loving heart for all.

  Earnestine Johnson worked for J.M. Field and retired from Bradlee Dept store in 2000. She loved cooking, crossword puzzles, basketball, game shows and Judge Judy. She loved to travel and host family gatherings; Christmas was a tradition at her house. 

The calling hour is 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023, at Alden Baptist Church, 649 State Street, Springfield, MA, followed by funeral services at 11, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

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