Eunice Sylane Johnson

Eunice Johnson was born February 6, 1932, in Normangee, Texas, to Lawyer Chatham Sr. and Inez Wooley Chatham White. At an early age, the Family moved to Houston,Texas, where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1951. She furthered her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 with a specialty in Home Economics from Texas Southern University, and later a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Eunice accepted Christ at an early age while attending Antioch Missionary Baptist Church – Downtown, now a historic landmark, under the leadership of Pastor Earl Boone. She was very active in the church, serving in various auxiliaries, including the choir and as a Sunday school teacher. She had a deep desire to learn more about God and grow in her faith.

Her education provided her with an opportunity to create, design, sew, and assemble hats with her sister, Cleo. She taught for the Houston Independent School District for 32 years, retiring in 1989. Her specialty was elementary school. She made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, who loved her. In addition to her teaching career, she volunteered with Child Evangelism, an after-school program where she taught about the “Good News” to young children and youth for many years.

Later in life, Eunice married Rueben Johnson. Though no children were born to this union, she was eager to share the Word of God with others and volunteered her time at the Houston Bible Institute, the College of Biblical Studies (CBS), and KHCB radio station etc. Taking classes at CBS further deepened her relationship with the Lord.

She developed a long-lasting friendship with Dr. Paul Cannings, one of her professors,and his family. She often talked about how well he could teach the word. She later moved her membership to Living Word Fellowship Church, where he pastored, and remained active in the church, working in the counseling ministry and attending life application classes until her health began to decline. Eunice truly loved the Lord, her family, and friends.

Other passions that were very important to Eunice Johnson:

• Health: Having been sickly growing up, Eunice learned about nutrition and made necessary changes to her lifestyle with help from a trained nutritionist. She became passionate about eating healthy and shared this knowledge with everyone she encountered.

• Finances: Eunice believed strongly in personal saving and financial education. She provided books and resources to those who expressed interest in learning more about financial stewardship. She was also an avid reader and owned a large collection of books.

• Family: Eunice was deeply devoted to her family, offering love, support, and assistance whenever and wherever there was a need.

• She always said, ‘Take care of you. If not you, who?

• If not now, when? Take care of you!!

• Eunice’s Best Friend - BROWNIE, her pit bull - She leaves her Brownie behind who was her faithful and loyal companion. Brownie is a sweet and gentle pet who was extremely protective of Eunice. Whenever a stranger came near, Brownie would sit on guard by getting between Eunice and the newcomer and then sitting on her foot to maintain space. Whatever you gave to Eunice she gave to Brownie.

Eunice Johnson will truly be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, five siblings: Willie Cleo Winn, Lawyer Chatham Sr, Ruby Lee Chatham Pool, Joyce Chatham Thomas and Frances Chatham Hodge; as well as three cousins, Elmer, George, and (Winnie) Wooley.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Siblings: Waymon Chatham (Ella), Clarence Chatham Sr., Donnell Chatham Sr., (Bryan, TX); Larry Chatham, Sr. (Alice) – Houston, and Rayetta Chatham– (Houston, sister-in-law). Cousin: Yvonne Wilburn – Fort Worth, TX Nephews and Nieces in Houston: Gerald Winn, Horace Winn, Ervin Winn (Cheryle), Carolyn Lethridge (Ricky), Karen Gaines (Willie), Rodney Winn, and Chandra George. There are many other relatives, including great-nieces & great-nephews, cousins across the country, and a host of friends.