Iola Hill Johnson

and even for evermore” Psalm 121: 8

A Time to be Born: Born on December 4, 1930, in Snow Hill, North Carolina, Iola was one of five children of the late Pernell L. and Charlie L. Hill. Her siblings Samuel, Margie, Lucye, and Ronnell, along with her parents, have all preceded her in death.

A Time to Live: Iola's journey was one of dedication and excellence. She graduated from Greene County Training School in Snow Hill, NC with the highest honor. Once the GCTS/SGH National Alumni Association was established she became involved in all of its activities and this served as the catalyst for all she did, truly from the heart to serve her Alma Mater. She was immensely proud of the scholarships the association awarded over the years and took great joy in keeping in touch with the recipients, encouraging them to join the association. Despite moving to Washington, DC, Snow Hill always held a special place in her heart. She maintained a home there, which she cherished and visited with her family until she sold it in 2020.

Iola relocated to Washington, DC with her Aunt Selma. She would hold various jobs before obtaining her position at Walter Reed Medical Center. After 30 years of dedicated service and forming many cherished friendships, she retired and enjoyed over thirty years of retirement. She would always joke about being retired longer than she worked.

Proverbs 18:22, A man who finds a wife, finds a good thing. Iola's life was marked by love and faithfulness. She met the love of her life, John Ralph Johnson, in June 1951, and they married in September 1956. They were blessed with two children, Greg and Kim, who were her pride and joy.

Iola was deeply proud of her grandsons, Kevin and Kelby. She encouraged their curiosity, celebrated their faith, and championed their pursuit of education every step of the way. It meant the world to her to stay connected, especially in recent years. Since 2020, she and Kevin have spoken on the phone every evening, a daily ritual that brought her comfort and joy. She had the blessing of watching both grandsons graduate from college, a dream she had long held and was so proud to see fulfilled.

From an early age, Iola received the gift of the Holy Spirit and became a member of St. Peter Freewill Baptist Church in Snow Hill, NC. After moving to DC, she was an active member of Peace Baptist Church and later joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, participating as much as her health allowed until her passing. Iola had a gift for spiritual discernment and offered guidance from the heart.

Family was paramount to Iola, and she had an open-door policy, welcoming everyone with kindness and nurturing. She spearheaded the annual family reunion, ensuring the family stayed connected and aware of their history. As the matriarch of the Harper clan, she attended every reunion until her health no longer permitted. Her nurturing extended beyond her immediate family, as she was a mother figure to everyone she met, offering delicious meals and words of wisdom. She never forgot a birthday and baked a special cake for each one, striving for culinary perfection with her vast collection of cookbooks.

Above all, Iola was a selfless woman who put the needs of others before her own. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Time to Die: Quietly and reverently, Iola passed through the shadow of life into eternal rest with Jesus at approximately 12:00pm Thursday, July 17, 2025. God observed the road was getting rough and the hills were extremely difficult to climb; hence, Our Lord and Savior quietly took her home.

A Time to Mourn: Iola leaves to cherish her life memories: Her devoted children; Son Ralph Gregory; Daughter, Kim Bonita; Two Grandsons, Kevin and Kelby; Four brothers-in-law; Two sisters-in-law; Three God Daughters; Best Friend in the Whole Wide World, Dr. Velma Speight (friends since 5th grade) and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended families. "Her beloved cousin, Alice Jean Williams joined her in Heaven on the same day"