Graveside memorial services and burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. EST, Monday, October 16, 2023, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama.
Mrs. Ernestine Johnson was born May 31, 1942, in Columbus, Ga to the late Ms. Mary B. Carter and the late Mr. Jim Henry Wright. Following her mother’s death, she was raised by her aunt, Ms. Eva Carter. Ernestine was educated in the Muscogee County, Ga. school system.
She later met and married the love of her life US Air Force Master Sergeant, Leroy Johnson, and their union was blessed with five beautiful children Leroy, Jr. Christine, Teresa, and their twins Charlene and Charles. Their service to our country resulted in them living in Japan and several US states.
Mrs. Ernestine Johnson’s conversion to Judaism helped her to truly define her relationship with God as a member of the Shearith Synagogue until her death.
She retired from the Russell County School System where she served for several years as support staff for the counselor’s office. She was an active member of the Russell County Education Retiree Association and served as its hospitality coordinator until her recent illness.
She was also very active in her community and in service to others. Mrs. Johnson served as foster parent for the Russell County Department of Human Resources for 15 years, serving over twenty-three children in her home; and she was an active participant in her local foster parent association. Ernestine volunteered with the Wynnton Neighborhood Network Food Pantry in Columbus, Ga for more than 20 years, acting as their Energy Resource Coordinator. In addition, she was an auxiliary member of The American Legions in Phenix City and the Russell County Democratic Association.
She loved the arts as a volunteer at the Columbus Museum. Regularly she attended the Springer Opera House and the River Center of Performing Arts where she enjoyed classical music concerts and other artistic events and performances.
Mrs. Johnson was a very active member of the Red Hat Society in Phenix City, Al and Columbus, Ga. She enjoyed her friendship and sisterhood with her fellow Red Hat ladies, spending time travelling, attending luncheons, teas, and other fun activities.
Mrs. Johnson was proceeded in death by her husband of 41 years, US Air Force SMSGT Leroy Johnson, and three of their five children Leroy Johnson, Jr. Christine Johnson Harris, and US Army LTC Charles Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memories two loving and devoted daughters Teresa Johnson of Seale, Al., and Charlene Johnson of Israel; her brother Henry Evans of Columbus, OH; son-in-law MSGT Kenneth Harris of Fort Mead, MD; daughter-in-law Sally Hydara of Gambia, Africa, nine grandchildren Kimberly (MSGT Jermain) Williams of Colorado Springs, Co; Priscilla (GySGT Alon) Heywood of Woodbridge, VA.; Jaylen Johnson and Janelle Johnson of Woodbridge, VA; Arnonit and Nafshanee Johnson of Israel; Jasmine Johnson, Muhammed Bayo, and Isatou Bayo of Gambia, Africa; and five beautiful great grandchildren Jayden Harris and McKenzie, Mason, Kennedy, and Morgan Williams; and a host of other relatives, friends, and neighbors.
The family wants to thank her amazing caregivers and health providers Ms. Tracy Pressley, Mrs. Jasmine Felix, Mrs. Earlene Davis, Ms. Michelle Amaro, Zuri Wilson, Gentiva Hospice of Phenix City, Al, and Dr. William Roundtree and staff, Columbus, Ga.
On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Mrs. Ernestine Wright Johnson completed the final chapter of her earthly life and peacefully entered her place of eternal rest.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Johnson family.
