Jeanette Johnson
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we gather to reflect upon the life and legacy of a remarkable individual, our Jeanette Johnson. Much more than a gathering to mourn her passing; this is a celebration of a life well lived, a testament to the love, laughter, and lessons shared, and an enduring reminder of the indelible mark she left upon her family, friends, her church and her community.
On August 13, 1946, this extraordinary baby girl was born to Sadie and Brady James Johnson in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The second of four children born to this union, they named this little charmer Jeanette. Her parents provided her with a strong Christian background, and Jeanette accepted Christ at an early age.
Shortly after graduating from Jr. High School in Hattiesburg, the family moved to Los Angeles. There she enrolled as a ninth grader in Manual Arts High School, where she later received her high school diploma.
Her desire to worship and work for the Lord was apparent early in her life. While still a teenager, she joined Victory Baptist Church, pastored by the late Dr. A. A. Peters. Jeanette was guided and influenced by her dear grandmother, affectionally called “Nina McKay, who made sure that Christ was first in her life. She was also led into discipleship and encouraged by the piercing voice of her loving Aunt, Johnny Pearl. There, under the direction of her uncle, Deacon Jimmie Hines, she and two new friends, Annesther and Jerry Peters, conducted summer Vacation Bible School. Subsequently, Jeanette moved her membership to Greater Liberty Baptist Church under the leadership of their father, the late Pastor S. T. Peters.
At this point we would like to say that every church needs a Jeanette Johnson. She was a steadfast, creative and tireless worker who used her many talents and abilities for the furtherance of God’s kingdom here on earth. She ended her term of service at Greater Liberty Baptist Church as the office manager and executive assistant to Pastor Theodore W. Peters, where her integrity and financial acuity were of vital importance to the on-going of the ministry.
After completing her studies at City College, Jeanette was employed as an accountant at several firms, including H & R Block, Fox Studios, and Touch of Life. Further, she was the go-to person for our personal income tax filings. Flower arrangements were her passion, and at one point she even opened her own little flower shop as a side business. Also, whenever the opportunity arose, she helped several friends and relatives find employment, especially the youth.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Sadie and Brady Johnson, her three siblings: Brady James Johnson, Marilyn Johnson and Doris “Rita” Johnson. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters: Stacye Thomas and Stephany Thomas; one son, Chad Deemer (Renata); three grandsons, Justin and Jaylen Crawford, and Reece Deemer; one granddaughter, Codi Deemer; her beloved aunt, Johnnie Pearl Knox (Andrew); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
As we bid farewell, we honor not only a life lost but a life that continues to inspire. The legacy left behind is more than a collection of achievements; it is a living testament to the values held dear-compassion, integrity, creativity, and love. Each person touched by her kindness carries forward a piece of that light