Ruby Penny Johnson Lee

On January 8, 1935, Hubie and Beulah Penny celebrated the arrival of their eighth child and fourth daughter, Ruby Lee Penny. She was welcomed into a family of three big brothers: Bernie, Turner, Ora, and four big sisters: Tiny, Cora, Dorothy, and Sarah. Ruby would enjoy her family for three years until tragedy struck. At the age of two, she lost her mother, Beulah Lane Penny, and her baby sister from complications of childbirth. The following year, she lost her father. Ruby was not raised with her siblings but went to live with her Aunt Essie. Life was different and challenging throughout her younger years.

She met James Johnson, who would become her husband and the father of their five children: Renée, Sharon, Jimmy, Jackie, and Michael. She traveled throughout the US and abroad as an Army wife.

She found great joy in giving love and compassionate care to others which inspired her to pursue a certificate as a nurse’s aide. She was loved and respected by the residents and staff at Wilora Lake Healthcare Center. However, Ruby’s real passion was working with young children. This led to an assistant teacher position at Eastway Church of God Daycare. She later obtained her certificate in Early Childcare Education. Her students and their parents adored her, showering her with mementos of love. Many of these gifts adorned her home today.

Ruby was big on family. She loved her family – children, grands, great-grands, and great-great-grands. All of them brought her great joy. She would express how much she loves and cares for them, especially on their birthdays. She would call each one on their special day early in the morning to let them know how much she loves and cherishes them. Ruby always had a benevolent and giving heart. You didn't leave her presence without her giving you a tangible gift to hold in your heart. Ruby loved her home in Charlotte and her community of friends, some of whom she would call her play sons and daughters. She loved her plants, routine TV shows, and cooking. Most importantly, she LOVED God. Her Lord and Savior was her strength and comfort. She would remind us all to remember that we need the Lord in our lives. She always trusted "The Master," her endearing name for him.

She has now transitioned to her forever home with Him. Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings: Bernie Penny, Tiny Alford, Turner Penny, Ora Penny, Cora Fitzpatrick, and Sarah Anderson. She leaves to cherish her love and memories her three daughters: Renèe Johnson Allen Lyons, Miami, FL; Sharon Johnson Howard, Bainbridge, GA; Jacqueline Johnson Mahatha, Charlotte, NC; her two sons: James (Jimmy) Johnson, Key West, FL; and Michael Johnson, Miami, FL. Her sister, Dorothy Betsy, Miami, FL. Twelve grands, twenty great-grands, and two great-great-grands.