Frances Elaine Johnson

Elaine was born to Kenneth Jewett Cliffe and Violet Frances Elliott Cliffe on October 11, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama. Along with her beloved sister Betty, she grew up in Ensley, where a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins lived close by. During her childhood, Elaine loved to play with her animals, visit her grandparents, and have adventures with dear cousins. She attended Minor Elementary and Middle Schools, where she made lifelong friends. Elaine graduated from Ensley High School in 1950.

At an early age, Elaine dedicated herself to the Lord, made a profession of faith, and became a member of Ensley Baptist Church, where she was baptized.

Though she had many interests, Elaine’s greatest aspiration was to marry and have a family. On December 22, 1950, she married the love of her life, Carlos (“Buddy”) Johnson. Over the years, they had four children and three grandchildren. They lived, loved, and served together for almost 67 years until Buddy’s passing in 2017.

A teacher at heart, Elaine passionately taught Sunday School classes to children and adults for over 25 years at Green Valley Baptist Church and Valleydale Baptist Church. Elaine was a natural leader and teacher, using these strengths in the various churches, organizations, and companies she served.

Also very close to Elaine’s heart was the treatment and advancement of the mentally and physically challenged. Along with Buddy, she worked for many years on behalf of mental health in the state of Alabama. From 1977-1983, Elaine served as Secretary, Treasurer, and ultimately President of the Patrons of Partlow.

A lover of books, Elaine managed multiple bookstores from 1985-1993, including B. Dalton Bookseller, Little Professor, and Dove Christian Books.

Later in life, Elaine became a member of Pelham First Baptist Church.

Elaine will be remembered for her loving presence, generosity, wisdom, and infectious laugh that filled the room. She will be truly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos H. Johnson, daughter Rebecca Johnson, her parents, and her sister, Betty Smith.

She is survived by her son Carlos H. Johnson, Jr. (“Butch”), daughters Bonnie Green and Lisa Johnson, grandchildren Christine Rollins, Courtney Green, and Nicholas (Thu) Gray, great-granddaughter Luna Nguyen, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home at 475 Cahaba Valley Road in Pelham. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, January 18. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, January 19.