Mrs. Annie Bell Johnson

In Loving Memory Of; Annie Bell Jenkins was born October 1, 1935 in Sandersville, Georgia to the late Nobe and Ethel Pearl Jenkins. She was their first born child out of eight children. Annie Bell accepted Christ at an early age and attended Green Grove Baptist Church in Sandersville, GA. Annie Bell attended the Thomas Jefferson Elder School for both elementary and secondary grade levels. She was very popular amongst her classmates. While in high school, Annie Bell played basketball. She worked as a care giver to her siblings, as well as, children in the community to make extra money. During many summers, Annie Bell would spend time in Miami, Florida with her grandmother Annie Bell Bryant Trailor. She relished the time away with her namesake and always talked about eating lobster on the beach. Annie Bell graduated from Thomas Jefferson Elder School in 1953. She was joined in holy matrimony with James Johnson Jr. for 49 years. To this union six children were born. Early in their marriage, Annie and James moved to Detroit, Michigan for better employment opportunities and to raise their family. Annie Bell was employed with Detroit Public Schools for over 15 years as a Noon Hour Aide at Birney Elementary School. Her life’s work was dedicated to children. She loved children and being able to make a difference in their lives by encouraging, supporting and assisting them during their elementary years at Birney. She would often use her own money to purchase clothing and food to give to children in need. Annie was very active in the Parent Teacher Association attending meetings and working on fund raising initiatives for school trips, student programs, and school improvements. Annie Bell favorite hobbies were cooking delicious southern meals, baking homemade cakes and pies, growing her flower and vegetable gardens, attending church at Christian Community Baptist Church and Family of God Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed being an active member of the Monterey Block Club along with her husband James. Annie Bell served on the Christian Community usher board as a leader and member for many years. She loved sitting on her porch and chatting with her neighbors, especially Ann Davis and her family. Annie Bell was instrumental in planning and attending many Thomas Jefferson Elder School class reunions. She always looked forward to traveling south in the summer with her family to visit her Mom, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends. Annie Bell departed this life to join her place with the Lord on May 13, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents Nobe and Ethel Pearl Jenkins, husband James Jr., sister Eloise Brown, brother Willie James, and son Vincent. Annie Bell leaves to cherish her love and memories: sons James III (Theresa), Kelvin (Robin), Darryl, and Terence; daughter Yolanda (Khaliph); brother Nobe Jr.; sisters Helen Fraizer, Dorothy Grant, Carolyn, Cecillia, and Genie Ann; grandchildren Jacoby, April, Brianna, and Yoko; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Annie Bell Johnson

November 4, 1935 - May 13, 2020