Mrs. Liza Johnson

Liza Johnson, 92, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Liza was born August 20, 1921, in Isola, Mississippi to the late Joseph and Lizzie Ann (Lewis) LeFlore. The youngest of eight children being raised in the Deep South, Liza knew what hard work meant and assisted her family by learning to cook and sew. This would later come in handy after she met and married the late William Johnson and raised 15 children. Liza was introduced to Christ at an early age and joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Isola, MS where her family worshipped. In 1967 the family officially relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan and in 1968 after searching for a church home she joined Friendship Baptist Church under the direction of the Rev. Dr. PT Tinsley. Liza went on to join First United Baptist Missionary Church in 1978 where she was a member for 35 years until rejoining Friendship. In 1973 Liza began her career working at the Kalamazoo State Hospital where she continued until her retirement in 1987. She loved her job and made lots of lifelong friends there. Affectionately known by everyone as “Madear” family and friends were Liza’s passion and delight. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, fishing and crocheting. She was known for making an outfit or a blanket for any new additions. She loved to play games with her children and grandchildren such as checkers, pop the whip and Sally go-round the sunshine just to name a few. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. Liza is preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Lizzie LeFlore, her husband William Johnson, four brothers James & Eugene Love, Homer & Chester LeFlore; three sisters Mary Carter, Minerva Thomas and Flora LeFlore; her eldest son Robert Johnson; granddaughters Yolanda Williams and Ruby “Missy” Johnson and great-grandsons Romney Hunter and Jheryl Wright. She leaves behind to forever cherish her memory nine daughters Mae Mathews, Louise Williams, Dorothy (Jerry) Tubbs, Rose, Mary (Wesley) Williams, Ruby, Brenda, Janice all of Kalamazoo, MI and Ollie (Robert) Johnson of Chicago, IL; five sons Oscar, Rufus (Shirley), Joseph (Sharon), Warren (Carlene) Johnson all of Kalamazoo MI and Willie (Marie) Johnson of Battle Creek, MI. She was blessed with 53 grandchildren, 120 great-grandchildren and 65 great-great grandchildren one cousin Clara Lewis, special nieces Lucille Snell and Robin Love and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends that she held near and close to her heart. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through the past years. And though Liza has departed this life, her legacy will live on through all who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Liza Johnson

August 20, 1921 - May 21, 2014