Lorenza Ann Johnson

Lorenza Ann Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many, died peacefully on July 26, 2024 at age 82. She was born July 28, 1941 in New Orleans, LA to Ferdinand Sr. and Gertrude Fortuné and was the sixth of eight children. She attended Corpus Christi Elementary, Xavier Prep High School, and Dillard University. In 1961, she left her roots and traveled to Seattle with former husband, Nelson Meyers Jr., and their infant daughter. Their union produced daughters Sheila, Sharon, and Patricia. Lorenza would later meet and marry Gilbert Johnson in 1975. In 1976, their daughter Ramanda was born. From their union Lorenza also became stepmom to Ramel, Jamal, Boni and Elisa.

Lorenza loved swimming and was a member of a synchronized swimming team. She enjoyed bowling and being a member of several bowling leagues. She began her league bowling at Rainier Lanes, then Skyway Park Bowl, and finally at Imperial Lanes, where she became League Secretary and remained in that position for many years. She also served on The National Bowling Association (TNBA), Emerald City Senate. She made lasting friendships while enjoying the sport.

She was also an avid seamstress—known for making clothing for herself, husband, children, and many others—something she started in high school. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and cooking. She was known for her famous Gumbo, which friends and family begged her to make for every major holiday. Macaroni and Cheese, Potato Salad, Cream Spinach, and Cornbread Dressing were her other specialties.

Lorenza worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years. She held various positions and retired as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Manager. She received numerous performance awards and accolades in recognition of her hard work and dedication. She developed lifelong friendships with many of her co-workers.

Lorenza was a giver and tremendous caretaker. She was a “bonus” mom to many of her children’s friends. Whether it was providing a ride, taking in a relative, helping her children/grandchildren, assisting friends, or caring for her ailing mother, she did it selflessly.

Most of all she was a beloved wife, amazing mother, doting grandmother, and longtime friend to so many.

She is survived by her husband Gilbert R. Johnson, sister Edna Fortuné, daughters Sheila Meyers, Sharon Sears (Earnest Jr.) Patricia Meyers-Beed, and Ramanda Johnson, stepsons Ramel and Jamal Johnson, stepdaughters Elisa Johnson and Boni Cherelle (Wayne), grandchildren Adrian, Bria, Chrystian, D’Angelo, Darrell, Earnest III, Jalea, Jamal Jr., James, KeMani, Mariah, Maya, Raphael, Rashaun, Rylan, and Yonas, twelve great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Ferdinand Sr. and Gertrude Fortuné, and siblings Phillip, Paul, Ferdinand, Lawrence, Gwendolyn Fortuné, and Patricia Martin (Art).

A celebration of life will be held on August 16, 2024 at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle WA 98133. Visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, followed by interment and repast. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

The family wishes to thank Concejo Adult Family Home for the exceptional care they provided Lorenza during the past two years.