Mrs. Valerie Kay Johnson

Her Legacy: Sunrise: September 5, 1955 Sunset: July 22, 2015 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” ~John 11:25-26 Valerie Kay Johnson was born to the matrimony of her late, beautiful beloved parents Ted and Dorothy Elliott. She was born and raised in Gary Indiana, where she attended Lew Wallace High School. She was the fifth child of six siblings, Jessie, Allen, Leslie, Teddy and Connie. In high school is where my mom met the love of her life, our father, Henry Johnson. After graduation, they joined in holy matrimony in November 1973. My mom began working for the Office of Social Security Hearings and Appeals at the Chicago office at the age of 19 years old. They welcomed their first child, Lolita Nicole in August 1974, LaToya Yvonne in 1976 where they resided in Gary, Indiana, until moving to Detroit, MI where they then welcomed Henry Johnson, II in 1978, Antoine Deon in 1982 and their baby girl Lezlie Ann in 1991. My mom accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized in the Church of the Living God, Temple #31 in Gary, Indiana with her parents and siblings, where her grandmother Evangelist Mayes, was an active, effective minister on their roster. She sang in the choir, attended Sunday school and served on the youth usher board at a young age. During the move to Detroit, my mom became busy working and raising her children the best she knew how. Despite the struggles and obstacles, she gave her life wholeheartedly to her children and made countless sacrifices to us. I believe she remembered whose she was and to whom she belonged and thus, rededicated her life to God in 1985, at Church of the Living God, Temple #69. She worked tirelessly to embed the love and knowledge of God into all of her children. She soon accepted her calling as a minister, preaching and teaching the unadulterated word of God, outreaching for disciples of men and women and fighting the good fight in the army of the Lord. She served His people and kingdom faithfully on the Ministerial Roster, Women’s Work Ministry, the Choir and as a Missionary visiting the sick and shut in. In 2002, after conquering kidney failure, my mom joined with the family of Greater Grace Temple Taylor, Pastor: Bishop Gary Harper, serving in the choir, bible study attendee, vacation bible school teacher and a powerful prayer warrior with their intercessory prayer ministry. My mom exemplified being a walking testimony, with undeniable faith, unquenchable praise and an unapologetic walk with Christ. For any and everyone she met, she had to tell them about the goodness of the Lord! In January 2013, my mom retired from the governmental office of ODAR, here in Detroit after 36 years of service. She embraced this time to spend with her beautiful grandchildren, traveling with her church family and continuing her mission in Christ. My mom transitioned on July 22, 2015.

Mrs. Valerie Kay Johnson

September 5, 1955 - July 22, 2015