In loving memory of Ruth L. Johnson, sunrise, July 19, 1904, sunset, January 9, 2002, service, Sunday, January 13, 2002, 6:00 p.m., viewing, 4:00-6:00 p.m., McCall's Bronxwood Funeral Home, Inc., 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, New York, interment, Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York, January 14, 2002, 10:00 a.m.

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, 2OO2 Service SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2002 -- 6:00 p.m. Viewing 4:00 -- 6:00 p.m. McCALL'S BRONXWOOD FUNERAL HOME, Inc. 4035 Bronxwood Avenue Bronx, New York Interment FERNCLIFF CEMETERY Hartsdale, New York January 14, 2002 -- 10:00 a.m.

Ruth Laverne Clark Johnson, beloved daughter of the late Josephine Jett and Robert Ball Clark departed this life on January 9, 2002 to be with the Lord. Born in Richmond, Virginia on July 19,1904, Ruth was the fifth of six children. Ruth spent her young years in Richmond where she graduated from Armstrong High School. She continued her education at the Norma School of Higher Learning. As a young woman, Ruth was a member of the Mt. Carmen Church where her father was a Deacon. In 1923, she married her childhood sweetheart and life partner, Royall Christian Johnson. They were blessed with the birth of their first child, Aileen, followed by Royall, Walter, Delores, Emory, Jewel, Marlene, Wallace and Robert.
In 1932, Royall and Ruth left Richmond. They lived in Harlem for a number of years and ultimately settled in the Bronx (New York). They quickly made many friends and Ruth joined Victory Baptist Church. Ruth remained a Bronx resident and raised eight children in a loving and caring home.
Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. The Johnson home on Boston Road became home to many of the neighborhood children. She was known by many of her children's friends as "Ma Johnson." Ruth opened her home and heart to many. Despite the tough years of the Great Depression, the stability, love and guidance Ruth provided, ensured a solid future for all of her children. Her children fondly remember "Ma" as always around and available. Ruth used simple but sustaining ways to interact with her children. One of her great joys was to play cards with them. This tradition continued even with some of the younger generations of the Johnson clan.
Ruth's willingness to guide and support her family extended to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Many a grandchild remembers "Granny's" staunch support of them, despite life's challenges. Ruth was known to write letters to her many friends and relatives. Ruth's belief in the importance of strong family ties and love of God are best remembered in her letters filled with words of support and encouragement and a vow that in times of need, she and God would always be there for them. Ruth was a tough, feisty, high-spirited, loving human being and her ninety-seven years serve as a testament to a blessed life, well-lived.
Left to celebrate Ruth's life, cherish her memories and thank God for her long and good life are: her children, Aileen, Delores, Emory, Marlene, Wallace and Robert; sons-in-law, Alvin, Sr., Louis, Aubrey and Lawrence; daughters-in-law, Dorothy, Delores and Renee; sisters-in-law, Lottie and Emily; twenty-four grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren, fourteen great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of close relatives and friends.
We thank God for Ruth, and mourn not, for we are indeed blessed and grateful to have had ninety-seven years of her love and care.
"Ma," when you left us we were sad, but we are comforted for you are in God's arms. We know that you are not alone. Your husband, Royall and those whose existence you made possible, welcomed you. What joy you must have felt when your son, Royall embraced you, your daughter, Jewel kissed you, your grandson, Raymond teased you, and your great-grandson, Brian touched you. We will all miss you deeply, but our hearts are not troubled for we know you are surrounded by infinite love.

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,.Lfl rV" \' { Order of<Je

ORGAN PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL GREETINGS and OPENING PRAYER ...................... .......Reverend C. Simmons SOLO......................................................Reverend Grade Hyman SCimTIJRE READING ............................. ..........KimberlyBoyd
(great-granddaughter) POEM .....................................................Aaron Fields (grandson) SOLO ...................................................Lance Johnson (grandson) ORGANIST SOLO
OBITUARY...................................................Thelma Dye-Holmes (granddaughter)
SOLO......................................................Reverend Grade Hyman POEM.. .................................... ......Troy Worrell (great-grandson) SCRIPTURE READING.........Tanya Johnson (granddaughter) EULOGY ....................................................Reverend C. Simmons

ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT/ PARTING VIEW COMMENDATION .................................Reverend C. Simmons BENEDICTION.........................................ReverendC. Simmons
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RECESSIONAL

Happy Mothers Day Grannie
Grandmothers are special, they have so much to share, Telling story after story, of how we got here. But Grannies are really precious, in this world there arefeui The Johnson family is fortunate, because the Johnsons Jiave you.
"HEY BROTHER," "HEY SISTER!" Your words are unique. it's that same joyful rhythm each time we meet.
"HOLDIN'-ON," "HOLDIN'-ON,"
To whomever it may be. Simple words of encouragement, from my Grannie to me. Your skin is fair and your hair is real fine. Most won't believe you're a Grannie of mine. So pure is your heart, so innocent your mind. You give honor to Blackness, since the beginning of time. You told us stories of poverty, anger and despair But maintained your dignity and held your head in the air.
"YOU' MAKIN' ALL THE MONEY, BROTHER?"
That's another of Grannies favorite lines, A subtle way of saying, keep track of every dime. You taught us to love, you taught us to pray, You taught us to be grateful for each and every day.
"IT'S CHILLY-IN-HERE"
You say it's not because it's cold. It's one of God's blessings, he allowed you to grow old. On this special day, just like all of the rest. The Johnsons give tlianks, because our Grannie is the best.
By: Aaron Eric Fields May 8,1994
From: "All of Us"