Charlotte Annette Johnson

Charlotte Annette Johnson, 88, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and longtime resident of Washington, D.C., peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Somerset, New Jersey. She was the eldest of three children born to the late Charles James Harris Sr. and Ursula Harris.

Charlotte graduated from Peabody High School with the Class of 1953 in Petersburg, Virginia, where she was an active member of the school choir and frequently performed solos that showcased her beautiful soprano singing voice. She went on to attend Virginia State University, where she studied Library Science.

Following high school, Charlotte married Randolph G. Peters Sr., a ranking member of the United States Army. During their marriage, she relocated to Nuremberg, Germany with her husband, and from this union came her beloved firstborn son, Randolph G. Peters Jr., also affectionately known as Gerry. While living abroad, Charlotte became fluent in conversational German—a skill she joyfully maintained throughout her life and often shared with hospital staff, even during her final days.

Charlotte later made Washington, D.C. her permanent home as a single parent. She worked diligently as an administrative assistant in various organizations and eventually met John W. Johnson Sr., a young attorney working in the same federal agency. From their union came her second son, John W. Johnson Jr., and later her youngest son, Julian W. Johnson. Charlotte went on to enjoy a fulfilling career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where she retired in 1995 after several years of dedicated government service. Her retirement was warmly celebrated by colleagues, friends, and family.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Charlotte was a long-standing member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., where she served in the senior choir and participated in various church ministries.

In retirement, Charlotte found great joy visiting her eldest son, Gerry, in Mashpee, Massachusetts. She especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren during the annual Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wows, honoring the family’s rich tribal heritage.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved son, Randolph G. Peters Jr., and her brother, Charles James Harris, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

• Her sons: John W. Johnson Jr. and Julian W. Johnson

• Her sister: Lula H. Lawson

• Her sister-in-law: Phyllis Harris

• Her grandchildren: Jermaine L. Peters and wife, Jessica; Randy G. Peters III and wife, Kristine; Shannon E. Peters, Justin R. McCartney Peters and wife, Shannon,; and Erin L. Johnson

• Her great-grandchildren: John P. Robbins, Dasia D. Peters, Trey L. Peters, Isaiah J. Peters, Keturah Peters and husband, Brian; Chenoa De Souza and husband, Edwardo; Amiyah Peters, Camron J. Peters, Arianna R. Peters, Caiden N. Davis, and Elani L Davis

• Her great-great-grandchildren: Epenow Peters-Weeden, Ariella De Souza, and Daniella De Souza

• Her nephews: William W. Lawson III and wife, Alenka; Charles J. Harris III and wife, Renita; and Brian K. Harris and wife, Kendra

• Her cousin: William A. Brown Jr. and wife, Linda

• And a host of cousins, extended family, church family, and dear friends

Charlotte lived a life marked by grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family and her faith. Her legacy of love, strength, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A visitation for Charlotte will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 12:30 PM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home followed by a service at 1:30 PM.