Harriet C.M. Johnson

Harriet Celestine Morrison Johnson

April 10, 1936 – March 9, 2022

Harriet Celestine Morrison Johnson transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly home on March 9, 2022. Harriet was born on April 10, 1936, to William Coleman Morrison and Celestine Lawson Morrison in Kimball, WV. Her mother passed away when she was a toddler, and she was raised by her paternal grandmother and her loving father.  Harriet accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Kimball.  When she was 8 years old, her father married Esther Lanier Morrison. This blessed union brought Harriet a host of new aunts, uncles and cousins that affectionately called her ‘Snooki.”  One of her fondest memories was the nightly games of checkers, and dominoes played with her father, when he returned home from a long day working in the coal mines. She was devoted to her parents.

After graduation from Kimball High School in 1954, the plan for this good student and avid reader was to get a summer job in New York and return for nursing school.  God had another plan.  She met and married, George W. Johnson III and they had four children (Cynthia, Brenda, George IV and Dwayne) who they raised in Mt. Vernon.  The family joined and worshiped at Grace Baptist Church and later she joined Macedonia Baptist Church. Although their marriage ended in divorce, they remained close and doting co-parents. In testament to their lasting bond, she attended to him, holding his hand, as he transitioned from this world to the next.  

Harriet never gave up on her dream to become a nurse and earned her degree from Rochambeau School in White Plains, New York.  She worked at Mt. Vernon Hospital for 30 years and received heartfelt thanks for her dedication to her profession and her tender care to her patients. 

Harriet’s faith remained steadfast throughout her life.  All advice she offered began with the words of Matthew 7:12, her favorite scripture, - So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.  Harriett had unwavering trust in the Lord and truly believed that God would take care of everything. 

Brenda recalls how “[I}n every situation, whenever we needed her, Mom was always there on the next train to provide a prayer, her healing superpowers, and comforting meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans wrapped in a hug. The meatloaf recipe was not a secret, but though it was shared, it was never duplicated.  I will forever remember her quiet, graceful manner, sense of humor and smile.”

Harriet’s life was enriched by her many interests and hobbies.  She enjoyed daily swims at the “Y” and escaping into the world of one of the many books that filled her home.  She especially loved to travel with her children and always had music playing in the background.  Classical music was one of her favorites and daughter Cynthia recalls how their mom “insisted that during chores we listen to Chopin before we could listen to Motown. “Harriet shared her love of sports with son George and was a serious Knicks fan who always thought “this will be the year.” (It never was.) Her bus trips with church members to the City to see the latest performances were legendary.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She relished their visits and grabbed every chance to attend their activities.

In her later years, Harriet moved to Fairfax, VA to reside with Brenda and be closer to Cynthia.  Brenda and her mother were constant companions.  They attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, DC where Harriet became a familiar and welcoming presence. Her beautiful silver hair became her signature.    

Harriet was predeceased by her son, Dwayne Edward Johnson, a special cousin James Hilbert Eubanks, Sr. and a sister Marion Wooden. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children Cynthia Felice Johnson Wiley (Sammie) of Chesterfield, VA, Brenda Jene Johnson of Fairfax, VA, and George Wiley Johnson of Mt. Vernon, NY; grandchildren Sandy Wiley of Durham, NC and Chrystal Johnson of the Bronx, NY; sister-in-law Barbara Wilson; very special friends Doreen Leary and Valerie Jenkins; many other relatives, friends, church associates and work colleagues.

In lieu of flowers: Contributions can be made in her name to The Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090-6011. www.alz.org

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