My grandmother was a true pillar of the West Side of Chicago—a woman whose presence, strength, and generosity shaped the lives of everyone around her. She migrated from Rolling Fork, MS, at a young age, carrying with her the values of hard work, faith, and family that guided her throughout her life.

For more than 60 years, she was a devoted member of Greater Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, serving with unwavering faith and building deep, meaningful bonds within her church community. Her dedication reflected the strong roots she planted both in her faith and in the neighborhood she helped nurture.

She married Joe Johnson Sr., who preceded her in death in the 1980s, and together they raised three children who became proud natives of the West Side of Chicago. As a mother and grandmother, she led with love, discipline, and enduring strength—qualities that shaped her family and everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.

She carried herself with a quiet but unmistakable power. She was the person people called for wisdom, comfort, or support, and she never hesitated to open her door or her heart to those in need. Her kindness, steadiness, and compassion helped hold our community together.

Her impact reached far beyond our home. People respected her, leaned on her, and looked to her as an example of perseverance, dignity, and love. To our family, she was the heart of everything; to the West Side, she was an anchor—steady, dependable, and deeply cherished.

As we prepare to honor her life and lay her to rest, our family is facing unexpected financial hardship. We are in desperate need of donations to help provide her with the proper burial she deserves. Any support—no matter the amount—would be received with deep gratitude.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, and we want to give her a farewell that reflects the love and dignity she showed throughout her life.