Johnnie Mae (Thompson) Johnson

Our beloved Johnnie Mae Thompson Johnson went home to be with Jesus on January 29, 2022, at 78 years old.

Johnnie was born to Horace and Carrie Thompson on October 18, 1943, in Longview, Texas. She attended Mayflower Colored High School, where she graduated in 1961. After graduating, Johnnie left for Philadelphia, PA, where she continued her education and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Temple University. During this time, she married Mr. Johnny Montgomery, Sr., and they had three beautiful children. 

Johnnie was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She accepted Christ at an early age. While in Philadelphia, she served many positions at Bethany Baptist Church under Pastor A. L. Bright as the Sunday School teacher and Director of Youth Church. At Smith Chapel Baptist Church, she became a licensed minister, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir.  She loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ, with anyone who crossed her path. 

Sister Johnnie was a true community activist and servant leader for over 50 years. While in Philadelphia, she became affiliated with a group of ladies who turned their social club into a civic club and named it ONEKOP. They furnished part of a hospital, organized voter registration drives, and became the governor's hostesses for Black political forums. After her return to Texas, Johnnie was the first woman ever to be invited to join the Civitan Club of Longview (a previously male-only organization), which provided service to people with special needs. Mrs. Johnson's love for children led to the opportunity to serve as Director of the Longview Youth Shelter for over 20 years.  As time progressed, Mrs. Johnson's desire to positively and consistently impact and uplift the community steered her to join forces with a well-known community philanthropist named Ruby Canida. Together, they founded the Longview Outreach Mission, a ministry that continues to provide services to Longview citizens who need assistance with life management and stability.  She continued serving as the Executive Director of what is now known as the Community Outreach Mission until her passing. 

Mrs. Johnson received numerous awards such as the Trailblazer Award from the local NAACP, the Keys to the City of Longview, Stars Over Longview, and the Humanitarian Award from the City of Longview. She oversaw the annual Ruby Canida Banquet, a fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Outreach Mission.

In 1990, Johnnie married Mr. John E. Johnson Sr., and they created a beautiful blended family of seven children, 19 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She said, "God instituted family in the beginning. Family is the foundation of society. To God be the glory for my beautiful family."  

Johnnie joins her parents, Horace and Carrie Thompson, spouse, John E. Johnson, Sr., brother, Ulice Thompson, and daughters, Barbara Johnson and Bernice Montgomery in Heaven. She is survived by many loving family members, including siblings Aaron "Tex" Thompson, Robert Thompson (Rose), Helen Holmes (Clent Sr.), and Wadell Thompson (Ann); children, Sheila Johnson (Michael Sr.), Johnny Montgomery (Fanta), Willie Johnson (Patricia), John Johnson Jr. (TaLesia); and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special loved friends. 

**MASKS ARE REQUIRED to attend visitation and service (Per Family Request)

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