Ida M. Johnson

A born-again Christian from the age of eight, she was a member of the Decatur First United Methodist Church, Decatur, GA.

Mrs. Johnson was the elder daughter of Harry Lee McGriff and Lois Highnote McGriff. She also was the cherished wife of Charles Wade Johnson, loving mother of Charles Wade Johnson, Jr., loving great-grandmother of Ryan Cox, and loyal sister of Josephine Wicklin, all of whom predeceased her.

She was the devoted mother of Jo An Johnson Chewning (Walker, Sr.), Jean Johnson Blicksilver (Paul), and Rob Johnson (Stephanie). She adored her grandchildren Rob Chewning (Kyrie), Lynne Chewning Gant (Mitchell), Chelsea Johnson, Brittany Johnson Robinson (Chris), and Ian Johnson. She also was blessed with great-grandchildren Katlin Chewning, Kindl Chewning, and Walker Chewning, Jr. and great-great granddaughter Riley Cox.

A lineal descendant of Col. Patrick McGriff, patriot soldier of the American War for Independence, Mrs. Johnson was a loyal member of the William Day Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For many years before her illnesses intervened, she served as the chapter American Indians Committee Chairman. She also served refreshments and helped entertain the residents of The Eagle’s Nest during many DAR-and SAR- sponsored birthday parties at the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center. Always ready to reach out to others, she was a volunteer at Briarcliff Manor Nursing Home; at Our House, a childcare and support facility for homeless families; and at Clairmont Oaks Senior Living Community, where she was an active member of the Welcome Committee and volunteered to deliver meals to housebound residents.

Her most important job, however, was taking good care of her family and loving them unconditionally.

Although her presence is no longer with us, our family rests secure in the knowledge that she is waiting for us in Heaven, and we thank God for her life.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

II Corinthians 4:16:18

The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Embracing Hospice, Snellville, GA, for their compassionate and skilled care of Mrs. Johnson and their loving support of our family during the last weeks of her life.

H.M. Patterson Arlington Chapel is assisting the family. Visitation was from 1:00- 2:30 PM on Sunday, June 22, at H.M. Patterson Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 PM in the chapel, and interment at Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs, GA.

Homegoing services will be led by Pastor David Walters, Lead Pastor of The Vine Church, UMC, Braselton, GA.