Jerlie Johnson

Jerlie was born on September 2, 1940, to Tinzer Lee and Carrie Dixon Morrow. She was the only girl and the second eldest child of this union. Close friends and family affectionately called her "Hula," a name derived from her grandmother (Big Mama) Hula Dixon Finley on her mother's side. As you can imagine, the Morrow home was filled with love and excitement, especially with four boys. While Jerlie loved and was deeply committed to her brothers, she maintained a close bond with her mother (Mama Carrie), serving the home, church, and community.

Jerlie attended Victory School and Jefferson Central High School. After graduation, her first career opportunity was at Barber School in Tyler, Texas. After earning her license, she worked as a barber for many years, where she met her future husband, RC, who was also a customer. She enjoyed barbering and even provided at-home services before discovering her true calling in healthcare. Jerlie began her healthcare career at Hospital in the Pines in Lone Star, Texas, starting as an aide and eventually being promoted to a ward clerk assisting the medical doctors. She completed her career in the industry as a Certified Medical Assistant.

When she was not busy with her family, Jerlie was actively participated in church and community activities including supervising the Meals on Wheels program at the West End Community Center. At Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, she held leadership roles, including serving as president of the choir, usher, and mission departments for many years. 

Jerlie loved her husband and children dearly. She often spent many days and nights making the nearly hour-long roundtrip to pick up her children from various activities at Jefferson High School. An amazing cook and baker, she learned from Mama Carrie. Who affectionately advised her to slow down and take her time when baking. She was known in the family circle for making the best homemade pies and cakes, with German chocolate, red velvet, and coconut being family favorites. Occasionally, her eldest brother would bring her a small nocturnal carnivore for a delectable stew, he was most fond of. She and her husband raised four children and cared deeply for their cousins, nieces, nephews, and adopted sons and daughters.

Those left to cherish her memory include her four children, Marvin Morrow, Robert (Janie) Johnson, Frances Johnson, and Vicki Johnson. She is survived by four grandchildren, Ian Walker, Dalvin Rabb, Britni (Tristen) Pond, and Erica (Jermonte) Rushing; and six great-grandchildren, Yasmine, Lynn, and Allison Rushing, London and Carter Pond, and Saint Walker. Jerlie had one sister, Izetta Fisher, along with siblings, John Dixon, Tinzer Morrow, George Morrow, and Gene (Linda) Morrow. Her bond with her big brother was evident, as he was by her side as she entered her eternal rest. Her bonus sisters and brothers on her husband’s side include Mary Ann (Donnie) Anderson, Gertie Johnson, Annie Faye (Dwight) Tyree, Ruby Jean (James) Phelps, Mary Ruth (Johnny) Glasper, Shirley Faye (Gilbert) Williams, Gene, Larry, James, and Kenneth Johnson.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, RC Johnson; her parents, Tinzer Lee and Carrie Dixon Morrow; and her siblings: John Dixon, George Morrow, Izetta Fisher, and Gene Morrow.

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