Helen Olivia Johnson

The Obituary Helen Olivia Smith-Johnson was born January 18, 1926 in Princess Anne, Maryland to the late Pete Smith and Eleanor Lankford-Smith. She was married to Thomas F. Johnson, Jr. in 1944. She leaves to cherish her memories two children: Bishop Weldon (Jacqueline) Johnson and Helen Beckett of Princess Anne, MD. Also an “adopted” daughter, Deneice (Benjamin) Brown of Dover, Delaware, Six grandchildren: Vonda (Evan) Holmes, Keith (Claudette) Beckett, Thomas Beckett, Deborah (Jermaine) Johnson, Darryus Johnson, and Margie Johnson. She is also the great-grandmother of ten: Shanae Pugh, Trevon Beckett, Korah Lovelace, Tyquan Beckett, Ryan Holmes, Anye’ Carter, Robert Beckett, Madison Holmes, Jordyn Beckett, and Brooke Johnson, two sisters-in-law: Emma James and Margie (Fenwick) Dickerson, a favorite cousin, Nathan Lankford, two godchildren Natasha Dashiell and Todd Handy and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Pete and Eleanor Lankford-Smith, a brother Sidney James Smith, an adopted brother Samuel “Son” Doane, two great-grands Ava and Savanah Johnson-Lockman, and adopted son Rev. Tyrone Downing, Sr. Affectionately known as “Mom Sis”, “Sis”, and “Mom Mom” she was a very active member of Mount Hope A.M.E. Zion Church prior to her failing health. At Mt. Hope she was president of the Senior Choir, member of the Trustee Aides, founder and coordinator for the Curtis Day reunion, member of the Johnson Singers, and attended Saturday night prayer service regularly. She was also a member of the Gospel Associates, a community singing group. She loved to sponsor services at church. During the days when Rallies were held for the church, Sister Helen always raised the most money, you could be sure of that. Mom Sis was a domestic worker and also provided a child care business for many years. She was a great cook and cooked at a local restaurant, but always cooked at home also. She spent the last eight years of her life at the Hartley Hall Nursing Facility in Pocomoke, Maryland, and even planned services for family and friends to come there to sing. Mom Sis loved her family dearly and she will be greatly missed.

Helen Olivia Johnson

January 12, 1926 - March 21, 2013