Edna Bailey Johnson

Edna Mae Bailey, known to everyone as “Grandma Johnson” was born on May 14, 1911 in China Spring, Texas to Gent & Malissie Bailey. At the age of 13 months, her father died. Grandma’s mother remarried to “Doc” J.D. Davenport, where Grandma Johnson ended up with 7 more brothers & sisters. It is evident that at an early age she took on the responsibility of helping her mother care for her siblings.

She married James Johnson in 1930. In the next few years, they had 2 girls; Patsy & Betty. It was the depression and dust bowl era, and in 1937 they were off to California, which at that time was the Land of Opportunity. Her brothers and sisters, as well as some of Jim’s brothers and sisters, and cousins followed them and many stayed with them at various times until they could get on their feet. Somehow, with all this company (which they loved) they managed and provided for their two daughters, who later once they were married blessed them with 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren & 14 great-great-grandchildren!

It was her beginning in life and I expect her calling, that this kind hearted, compassionate and caring woman never turned away someone who could use her help.

If you were tired she would give you a place to sleep, if you were hungry she would feed you (she’s the only woman I know that could make a 7 course meal out of a can of tuna) and if you needed money she would give you what she could.

This woman was my comfort zone. She would listen to your problems, not really give you any advice, but when you left you knew what to do.

The funny thing, I felt like I was the most special person when we were together, come to find out all of us feel the same way. I remember when we were young and acting up, she would threaten to cut a switch off the peach tree and cut the blood out of us, then turn around and make us a bunch of cookies.

I believe the great-grandchildren were definitely blessed to have loved and been loved by such a great woman.

It’s a tribute to her that we’ve all been good father’s and mother’s to our children and I believe that we’ll continue if we can show half the love that she did.

Grandma Johnson lived a long life, even though the last few years were not that pleasant. I believe she hung on just so her passing would be easier for us.

It is amazing how one woman, not rich or powerful by what society thinks, but rich and powerful with love and character has enriched generations.

“Go rest now Grandma, God says your work is done”. We all love you and miss you!