Lessie B. Johnson

In the summer of 1923, Lessie, and her twin brother Willie B. McCoy, were born to Charlie and Sarah McCoy. She grew up in Marshall, TX with her six siblings. Lessie moved to Portland, Oregon in the 1940s, where she met and married Fred Johnson Sr. To this union, five children were born.

Lessie loved cooking and baking – everyone loved her sweet potato pies! She was also active and faithful in her church and community. Granny was a foster parent and childcare provider for many years. Children she cared for brought their children to meet Granny in her later years. Lessie touched many lives and was loved in return.

Celebrating Granny’s life are her children: Wende, Phillip Sr. (Oreatha) and Fred Jr. (Linda). She was preceded in death by her son Derriel James Johnson.

Grandchildren: Monika, Frankie, Carlotta, Idris, Imani, Phillip Jr., Fayanna and Nate. Great grandchildren: Derriel, Arainnia, Tre, Jonzanae and Lyric.

Extended family: Jessie McCoy, Cleveland Combs, Virgie Ruiz, Anna, Felipe, Samantha, Nicolas, Alicia, Melvin Hill and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.