Johnsie Lucretia Canady

Johnsie Lucretia Canady passed onto her eternal reward on Thursday, January 7, 2021. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She touched the lives of those around her with unconditional love and the ambition to follow their dreams. Most people knew her as Miss Chris.

Chris always wanted a daughter but had three kings, as she called her sons. Her children and grandchildren describe her as a diva who was a sharp dresser with a sweet spirit. Her house was always immaculate and full of music, a best-loved tune being Aretha Franklin’s You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman. When she was younger and living in the Bronx and Lansing, many memories were made through good meals, good music, and good times with family.

There is no doubt that her sons loved and respected their mother. She always made sure her children had a good Christmas and loved them all equally. Her ambition and confidence spilled over to her kids and one of her proudest moments was seeing her oldest son, Richard, become the first to graduate from college. In addition to receiving her high school diploma, she considered her children her biggest accomplishments and encouraged all of them to succeed in their paths in life.

Once the boys grew up and married and had children, Johnsie got her “daughters.” Doing hair and makeup, picking out nail colors, and putting together outfits for church were just a few of the memories she made with the younger ladies in her life. Full of life and love, one granddaughter said her grandma’s smile could light up a room. Chris kept busy cooking and entertaining, playing cards and dancing, and enjoying her church family. When she did slow down, she enjoyed watching soap operas and playing bingo.

She touched the lives of so many people while confined to a wheelchair these last five years. She made so many friends while living in Michigan where she worked at Dean’s Gas Station, Cristo Rey Food Bank, the Health Department, and the Red Cross.

Chris taught her children to be self-sufficient, respectful to others and never to be too proud to say, “I’m sorry.” She was a positive woman who impacted those around her through a prayerful attitude and deep faith in God. She loved going to Righteous Living Ministries Church and worshipping with her church family. She often said, “Amen, Pastor.”

Born May 23, 1941, to Earl and Mildred (Hines) Galbreath, Johnsie is preceded in death by her parents and her former husband, Sanford L. Canady. She is lovingly survived by her sons Richard (Valerie), Kenneth (Janice) and Greg; grandchildren Corey, Chanice (Lawrence), Jasmine, Candace, Kelvin and Chalet; great-grandchildren Nia, Camea, Noriah and Zariah; brother Earl (Norma) Galbreath Jr.; and sister Susan Galbreath; uncle Ollie B (Letta) Hines, aunt Helen Hines Mitchell and host of family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12, at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. The family will receive guests Monday, January 11 from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Johnsie’s memory to the Cristo Rey Food Bank on High Street.

At every birthday, Johnsie would ask God for 25 more years. This year He denied her request and, although she will be missed dearly by her family, Johnsie would want everyone to know, “Don’t worry, I’ll be alright.”

Online condolences’ can be made at www.greastlansing.com.

Recorded video of service at www.facebook.com/3948305515214313/