Mrs. Rhoda Mae Johnson

***A VISITATION & FUNERAL SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MRS. RHODA MAE JOHNSON WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024, AT HAVEN CHURCH, IN KALAMAZOO. ****PLEASE SEE THE PUBLIC VISITATION AND SERVICE TIMES AND LOCATION WHICH ARE LISTED BELOW**** *****PLEASE NOTE: MASKS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. THE CHURCH WILL PROVIDE HAND SANITIZER WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING. If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 ______________________________________ THE OBITUARY Rhoda Mae Johnson was born on October 13, 1938, in Riceboro, GA. to the union of her late parents Alex and Clara Waye Jenkins. She was the second youngest child of 12 siblings. She was proceeded in death by her 9 siblings, husband Elder William Becker Johnson, Sr. and daughter Darlene Johnson, and Stepson Ralph Johnson. Rhoda Mae Johnson 85, peacefully departed this life on September 19, 2024, from natural causes after the removal of life-support. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was under the care of Bronson Methodist Hospital MICU (Advanced Illness Management Team). Her long-term battle with a multitude of debilitating chronic health-related issues, advanced her terminal illness. Her guidepost was praying and trusting in God as her divine healer. At birth, Rhoda was named by her eldest sister Geneva Bryant. She was raised a small-town girl in a close-knit religious family. She was raised on her family 13-acre farm encompassed with a pond, wildlife, cotton fields, grapevines, and fruit trees. Her mother fostered her homemaking skills in cooking, growing vegetable gardens, sewing hand-made quilts, and canning fruit and vegetables to endure their winter season. She enjoyed riding on the horse-drawn, swinging from the Magnolia tree, trips to Florida, and the Annual Rice Fest activities. She received her early childhood education from Riceboro Elementary School. Rhoda was a teenager when her oldest sister Geneva Bryant and her late brother-inl-aw Bill, moved her from Riceboro, GA to Chicago, Il. She graduated from Phillips High School. Later, graduating from the Chicago Culinary Institute of Arts. In 1957, Rhoda repented her sins, accepted Jesus Christ, and was later baptized under the leadership of the late Elder Willie E. Gordon, worshipping at both the Church of God 4219 S. Cottage Grove and 4601 S. Drexel Blvd. in Chicago, Illinois. In 1960, she had an unspoken prayer request for a saved husband. One year later, he noticed her singing in the Church Of God Choir. They marveled an abstinent year-long courtship. They were married on March 17, 1962, and honeymooned in Niagara Falls, NY, from this union 6 children were born. The couple purchased and resided in several homes across several states during their 51 years of marriage. Rhoda owned and operated Rhoda’s Catering serving many clients and events across several states coincidently a Certified Nurse Assistant until she became disabled in 1996. Her signature jello molds, potato salad, casseroles, homemade biscuits, and Hors d’ oeuvre exceeded expectations. Over three decades, Rhoda supported her husband spiritual calling as an Ordained Minister uprooting their family by selling their home in Chicago, IL and moved to Kalamazoo, IL. He served as Pastor of both locations the Church of God of South Haven, MI, which relocated as the Church of God of Kalamazoo, MI. Their inspiring journey was emulsified by Matthew 28 18-20. They enjoyed visiting the sick/shut-in individuals, fellowship with their Church of God Kalamazoo Congregation, jail church services, weekly food distributions, gospel mission fellowship. She championed a spiritual lifestyle glorifying salvation, modesty, spiritual discernment, and prayer. Rhoda loved to sing, travel, cook, care for her family, and shop. Affectionately, called Grandma, Granny, and Rhodie Mae. She leaves to mourn two daughters Darice Tina Jackson, Step-daughter Juaneice Cadney(Lee), 5 sons Alan Johnson, Alvis Johnson, Ronnie Johnson, William B. Johnson, Jr., and Step-son Roger D. Johnson. One sister Geneva Bryant and one brother James(Burnette) Waye. 5 grandchildren Martel K. Jackson, Darmecia N. Lofton-Johnson, Diana Johnson, Ariel Johnson, William Johnson, and Jonah Johnson.12 great-children, and a host of family, neices, and, nephews.

Mrs. Rhoda Mae Johnson

October 13, 1938 - September 19, 2024