Evelina Mazie Johnson

Born Evelyn Pogue, Evelina Johnson, also known as Mazie, transitioned on May 18, 2024, at the age of 86. She was born on August 17, 1938, in New York to her parents Alexander and Carrie Lee Pogue and was the youngest of 5 children.

Evelina was educated in the NYC public school system where she would later go on to be an entrepreneur and wife. A resident of Brooklyn during her younger years, Evelina would plant roots in Jamaica, Queens, New York, before meeting the love of her life James “Jimmy’ Johnson. The pair later married and shared a life filled with love and cherished memories for well over 52 years. In Jamaica Queens Mazie gained admiration for being a part of the neighborhood block association, Acorn and several other community organizations. Evelina partnered with City Harvest to create a food pantry and soup kitchen, which flourished for decades at The Rugged Cross Church where she was baptized prior to becoming a proud member of Friendship Baptist Church where her cousin Bishop Dr. Mitchell H. Hudson (Cousin Pete) presides. There Mazie served as a Deaconess before becoming an International Mother in her later years.

Throughout the years, Evelina “Mazie” was known for speaking her mind, dressing to the nines, throwing a good party and for being full of life. Those who were close to Evelina also knew that she was a talented artist and she had a love for music and art. Evelina was a steadfast and loving mother. In addition to being a dedicated mother, Evelina also took pride in her role as a GRANDmother, which included raising and maintaining legal guardianship (with her husband Jimmy) for 2 of her grandchildren, Taki Wright-Coleman and Jasmine Wright. According to Evelina, each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her great joy throughout her life and she would often boast of their accomplishments. As was with her husband, Evelina transitioned peacefully with her great-granddaughter Amissia by her side, a testimony to her connection with her family.

Evelina was preceded in death by her parents Alexander & Carrie Lee Pogue, her brothers Alexander Pogue Jr., James Pogue, Leaon Pogue, Her sister Sarah Bryant and by her beloved husband, James Johnson. She leaves behind her children, Ramona Piccolo, Nadine Wright, Phillip Wright, and Antione Wright and Goddaughter Michele “Peaches” Richardson-Wilson. Although preceded in death by her children Reginald Wright and Michelle Wright, their memories will always be cherished.

Evelina also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones alike.

The family of the late Mrs. Evelina Johnson wishes to express our sincere appreciation for all the prayers, phone calls, visits and many other acts of kindness.

~ The Family