MinnieBelle Johnson

MinnieBelle Johnson, age 103, of Portland, Oregon passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021. Minnie Belle was born October 12, 1917 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the only daughter of Gladys Sharon (Gladys Hall) and Howard Sharon. MinnieBelle was named after her maternal grandmother.

MinnieBelle Sharon wed Aldridge G. Johnson on April 3rd, 1936 in St. Louis. Two daughters, Harriet Arlene and Joan Patricia, were born to that union. Both were christened at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, St. Louis by Reverend Jesse Boyd. A son, Howard Leslie, was born later in Portland, Oregon. He too, was baptized by Rev. Boyd.

MinnieBelle was born in the A.M.E Church. She nurtured and revered the Church, its purpose and influence. She was baptized at St. James A.M.E Church, St. Louis. She gave her full support to the Church throughout her lifetime of 103 years, reminiscing about it until her last days.

MinnieBelle, Al and family relocated to Portland in 1940. They resided at 77 N. Broadway. That corner of Williams and Broadway, was the confluence of the Black Community in 1940. One corner held the Broadwill Pharmacy, the others, Glenn's Texaco Station, Safeway Store and Madrona Record Shop.

Upon arrival in Portland, MinnieBelle joined Bethel AME Church, then located at Larrabee and McMillan, now the site of the Rose Quarter. Bethel was the influence center of the concentrated Black Community in the 1940's and 50's. The Community operated cohesively as a Village with a strong and overriding disposition of fostering education for youth, seeking employment opportunities for all, and nurturing the family unit for prosperity. Spiritual health was jointly sponsored with goals of employment and education. It was a thriving Community of Churches, home ownership, small business ownership, cafes, night clubs and wholesomeness. Bethel and MinnieBelle were often in the center of it all.

MinnieBelle is remembered for her indispensable virtue of courage. She balanced it with a welcoming humility and grace. She did it for 103 years. "I Can Hear My Savior Calling." She held a Season's Trailblazer ticket from 1970 until 2014. She was an active member of more than a few Women's clubs in Greater Portland.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Joan Cook (Husband, Paul), son Howard Johnson, grandsons Paul D. Cook, Gabriel W. Cook, granddaughters Pamela L. Cook, Elizabeth A. Johnson, Alenn Castell, great grandchildren Olli Johnson and Cash Woolridge.

And she leaves her beloved church, Bethel AME Church, Portland, Oregon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Johnson family.