Rev. Estella Johnson

Johnson, Rev. Estella - Age 69, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at her residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Vernon Chapel AME Church, 5802 Dupont St., Flint, MI, with funeral services commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Robert Blake, officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Tuesday. Rev. Johnson will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday. On February 25, 1948, Mr. and Mrs. L.G. and Lucille (Collins) Lane welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world and called her Estella Mae Lane. Rev. Estella began her journey by accepting Christ at a very early age, learning from her Grandfather who was a Pastor. She attended school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas graduating from Southeast High School. While in school, this cheerleader met a handsome football and track star, named Louis W. Johnson. On March 14, 1965, after a beautiful courtship, the two became one and remained that way, until her death. In 1967, she followed her husband to Flint to provide a better life for the family. During their 52 plus year marriage, they raised six children Angela, Darnell, Marcus, Daryl, Derek and Dmitri. Rev. Estella was dedicated and devoted to every one of her life’s pursuits. Her love of children was evident from an early age, being the best big sister to her younger siblings. She spent over 20 years employed in the Flint School System, working at Durant Turri-Mott with special needs children, retiring in 1991. She also served the youth of our community by serving as Isiserette’s Directress of Oman Court DOI, a group of young ladies who won first place in the National Precision Military Drill Competition in New Orleans, LA in 1985 under her leadership, the groups only first place finish. Rev. Estella served the youth of the church, serving as Youth Director of Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church and YPD Director of Vernon Chapel AME Church. Rev. Estella was active in the Prince Hall Masonic family for many years. She served as Worthy Matron of Royal Star Chapter No. 27, Order of the Eastern Stars and served on the Grand Labyrinth Committee for the Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Michigan. She served as Loyal Lady Ruler of Light of Hope Assembly No. 64, Order of the Golden Circle and served the Michigan State Grand Assembly. She served as Illustrious Commandress of Oman Court No. 132, DOI and as Deputy Imperial Isiserette’s Directress for the Imperial Court, an auxiliary to the AEAONMS. In 1981, she joined Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was on the Mother’s Board. In 1992, she joined her husband at Vernon Chapel AME Church. While at Vernon, she served on the Stewardess Board and the Usher Board, was a member of The Cook Missionary Society, worked with The Allen Stars, the Kitchen Committee, Outreach Ministry, Health Team, Drama Ministry and was Certified as an Evangelist. In 2009, she heeded the voice of God and answered her call into the ministry. Under the Pastorate of Rev. Earnest Garrison, she was ordained as a Deacon in 2011 and in 2013 she was ordained as an Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Estella was faithful to her call until her health began to fail. During her illness, her goal was to be able to come back to church and continue her ministry. Although she was going through her own struggles, she continued to encourage others and provide inspiration. On November 22, 2017, while surround by the love and laughter of her family, Rev. Estella M. Johnson peacefully slipped into her eternal paradise. Her love, spirit and infectious smile will be greatly missed by all. Her legacy of love will be carried on by her soulmate and husband of 52 years, Louis Johnson; her sons, Marcus (Dawn) of Smyrna, TN, Daryl of Flint, MI, Dmitri (Donyelle) of Southfield, MI; her daughter, Rev. Dr. Angela Williams of Madison, TN; grandchildren, JuJuan, Jackee and Jameel Williams, Arnell (Carnell) Jones, Santoya (Dex) Payne, Dante Johnson, Keyonna Johnson, Darnell Johnson II, Allen Johnson, Asia Johnson, DarMecia (Don) Snipes, Ciarra and Kierra Johnson and Austin Johnson; her adopted grandchildren, Timothy Moreland, Jonathan Ross, Dominique Bragg, Krystal Powell, De’Andre Matthews, Desirae and Jourdan Lewis; 9 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers, James Lane and Alkin Coleman of Pine Bluff, AR, Ronald Coleman of Indianapolis, IN, Evester (Brenda) Gardner of Pine Bluff, AR and Michael (Kecia) Dean of Chattanooga TN; 2 sisters, Sandra Davis of Jacksonville, AR and Evangela Jackson of Pine Bluff, AR; aunt, Pastor Irma (Pastor Willie) Flucas of St. Louis, MO; uncle, Willie Stewart of Sikeston, MO; 2 brothers-in-law, Abraham Johnson of Pine Bluff, AR and Henry (Carrie) Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Geneva Swygert of Pine Bluff, AR; her mother figure, Mrs. Ann Speed; special family members, Lagreta Johnson, Michael Johnson, Charles Ursery and Vanessa Goodrum; special family friends, Rev. and Mrs. Roosevelt and Birdie Brown, Rev. Dr. Beverly Hair, Michelle Gill, Dennie Caldwell, Loretha Roberts. Her adopted sons Amelio Wilson, Earl Gibbs, Joaquim Martin, Jeffrey Lee, KaJohnna Jones and Stanley Daniels; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Rev. Estella was preceded in death by her sons, Darnell and Derek Johnson; parents, L.G. and Lucille Lane; sister, Mary Scott.

Rev. Estella Johnson

February 25, 1948 - November 22, 2017