Ora Mae Johnson

Ora Johnson, age 70, was born on April 9, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, and peacefully entered eternal rest on October 3, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, service, and unwavering strength.

Ora was born to the late Ozie Johnson Sr. and Laura Johnson and was raised with the values of accountability, respect, compassion, and perseverance that guided her throughout her life. She attended Farragut Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois, and continued her education at Olive-Harvey College. She later earned her certification as a respiratory therapist, a profession through which she devoted her life to caring for others.

Throughout her healthcare career, Ora served as a respiratory therapist at the University of Chicago, Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denton Rehabilitation Hospital in Denton, Texas. Her dedication to helping patients reflected her compassionate spirit and commitment to serving others.

Ora found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved attending music concerts and Broadway plays, going to the movies, and taking peaceful walks in the park. A woman of deep faith, she was active in the Women’s Ministry at Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville, Texas. She also volunteered with food pantries and homeless shelters, always seeking opportunities to serve those in need.

Known for her strong spiritual foundation, Ora was a source of encouragement and inspiration to everyone she met. She freely shared words of affirmation and wisdom, reminding others of their worth and potential. Accountability, kindness, and respect for others were at the heart of who she was. Her loving presence, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Ora leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Timothy Donnell Jones Sr.; her daughter, Catina Readus (Marcus Readus); her beloved grandchildren, Timothy Jr., Joshua, and Collin; and her siblings, Ozie Johnson Jr., Gale Eligwe (Onye), Letha Johnson (JR), Tressa Johnson, Torrence Johnson (Kanochia), and Tasha Johnson.

She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Andrew Johnson, Uwakieme Eligwe, Ukeme Eligwe, Kirby Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Chiquita Hicks, Ashley Wilkins,

Torrence Malik Johnson Jr, Jailen Jaheim Johnson, Joaquin Kweli Johnson and Seville Johnson, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ozie Johnson Sr. and Laura Johnson; her siblings, Rosie Johnson and Larry Johnson; her nephew, Kelvin Johnson; and her niece, Charlene Lusk.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV)

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that Ora’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, service, and grace. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the values she instilled in all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm.