A SERVICE MEMORIALIZING THE LIFE OF Monday, July 2,2018 11:00 AM. ss''r~ GILBERT LAMBUTH MEMORIAL CHAPEL Paine College 1200 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia \ Dr. George C. Miller, Officiating Pastor, Elim Baptist Church | Augusta, Georgia Dr. George C. Miller, Officiating Pre-service music Medley of Inspirational Hymns *Processional For All The Saints Who From Their Labors Rest Ralph V. Williams Jim Nord, Organist *Hymn O Love That Will Not Let Me Go Congregation Led by The Augusta Chorale and Elim Baptist Church Choir 1 O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; 1 give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. 2 O light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; my heart restores its borrowed ray, that in thy sunshines blaze its day may brighter, fairer be. 3 O joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be. 4 O cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee I lay in dust lifes glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red life that shall endless be. Scriptures Old Testament | Psalm 121 NewTestament | Revelations 21:1-5 Reverend. Ricky Dent Reverend Elaine Pate Prayer Reverend Aldean Henley Duet I Waited for the Lord (from The Hymn of Praise) F. Mendelssohn Mrs. Bernice Hall and Mrs. Amanda Glover Williams Dr. Rosalyn Floyd, Accompanist Reflections Dr. Cheryl Jones, Friend Solo Youll Never Walk Alone (was song at their wedding) Rodgers & Hammerstein Reflections Dr. Thomas L. Irvin, Nephew Reflections Mrs. Cynthia Henley, Niece Duet Pie Jesu (from Requiem) Andrew Lloyd Webber Ms. Laquita Mitchell and Ms. Indra Thomas Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu (Merciful Jesus, Merciful Jesus) Qui tollis peccata mundi (Who takes away the sins of the world) Donna eis requiem (Grant them rest) Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei (Lamb of God, Lamb of God) Sempiternam (Everlasting) The Eulogy Dr. George C. Miller, Pastor Elim Baptist Church *Hymn 1 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood Chorus: This is my story; this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. *The Committal The Benediction *The Recessional Toccata Congregation 2 Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 3 Perfect submission, perfect delight, I in my Savior am happy and blest. Watching and waiting, looking above, Riled with His goodness, lost in His love. Reverend Charles Sanders Associate Minister, Elim Baptist Church Charles-Marie Widor Blessed Assurance1 Congregation Standing The family will receive friends following service in the HEAL Complex. (There will be no repast.) Annie (Ann) Nealous Johnson, loving wife of Ellis M. Johnson for 49 years, and youngest child of the late Ryle and Rebecca Luke Nealous exchanged time for eternity on Tuesday, June 26,2018, ascending to her everlasting resting place. Born in Columbia County, Georgia, October 1, 1938, Ann was preceded in death by sisters, Rosanna (James) Hunter and Freda Mary (Richard) Dent and brothers Ryle Nealous, Jr. and Haywood Luke. Ann was the living embodiment of generosity, kindness and unselfishness. She embraced life, service and leadership through a lens of honesty, truth, and perseverance, always keeping a spiritual focus. These attributes coupled with her indomitable spirit, inspired hundreds of men, women and children to seek her as a role model as well as one to admire and emulate. Additionally, Ann was a woman of extraordinary dignity and grace sent to us by God for such a time as this. Anns legacy is one of humanity and humility, an unconquerable force powered by unwavering faith, tenacity and bravery. Through her lifes work, commitment and love for people, she did so much for so many, leaving indelible marks on their lives. She was compassionate and concerned about the disenfranchised and just as passionate about getting their needs met. She was a fierce visionary who drew upon her collective resources empowering others to see more greatness within themselves. Ann graduated from Lucy Craft Laney High School, matriculated at Walker Business College (AA) and Benedict College, earning the Bachelor of Arts degree from Paine College. A large portion of her work experience was at her beloved alma mater, Paine College, where she served as Executive Assistant to the President, retiring in 1998. Other positions held were Personnel Director and Coordinator of College Lyceum Series and Special Activities. Also, Ann directed and taught Adult Education at the Lucy Craft Laney Evening School. During Anns four-year tenure as President of the Augusta (GA) Chapter of The Links, Inc., she spearheaded the Home for the Homeless Initiative, providing leadership to purchase, renovate, furnish, and donate a home to a Wounded Warrior in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Augusta (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, November 2007. This project earned acclaim from the international Links organization. Ann spent years singing in the Sanctuary Choir at her church and performing with The Augusta Chorale, subsequently joining and lending support to Friends of the Augusta Chorale. Other notable areas in which Ann participated, served, and facilitated: Morris Museum of Art, former docent; Friends of African American Art, Board of Directors, Chair; Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Advisory Board; Board of Directors (former); Friend of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; Augusta Mini Theater, fund-raising volunteer; and The Friends of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts where she initiated and chaired many fundraising events. For her work with the JNSA and community, the school honored her by naming its gallery the Ann and Ellis Johnson Art Gallery. Ann was a strong and enthusiastic community member, worker and leader where the evidence of her philanthropy was visible. Believing as Margaret Mead, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world..Ann embraced the challenge to make a positive difference in her local environs. A member of Elim Baptist Church for 48 years, she was former Superintendent of Sunday School; member of the Sanctuary Choir; Hospitality Ministry; and, Mission Ministry. The Sand Hills Neighborhood Association where Ann served on the Board of Directors was a special passion. She assisted in leading an initiative to secure property to build a new Sand Hills Neighborhood Community Center. The new center was relocated from a two-room building in a blighted neighborhood to an area easily accessible to the neighborhood with sufficient space to include daily workshops, social, physical and educational activities, with full-time staff, on-site. Additionally, spanning a broad continuum, Ann was a member of the Brandon Wilde Retirement Community Board of Directors and the Boys and Girls Club of America where she initiated a partnership with the Club to provide monthly seminars related to the arts, life-learning skills and social graces. Always a staunch supporter of her cherished Paine College, Ann gave generously of her time and resources to its causes: Paine College Transition Team (Present); Appointment of a New President, effective January 1,2008; Toastmistress, Welcoming Reception for Dr. George W. Bradley, Fourteenth President, Paine College; Frank Yerby Planning Committee for Opening the Frank Yerby Home (Replica) on the Paine College Campus; Steering Committee, Paine College Annual Masked Ball to support Scholarship for the National UNCF (Present); Original organizer/coordinator - Paine College UNCF Jazz Festival on the River A signature Fund Raiser for The United Negro College Fund Scholarship Initiative, the former Lou Rawls Parade of Stars; The yearly UNCF Jazz Festival was renamed in 2013, The Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival, to honor her philanthropy and dedication to scholarship; Chair and Protocol, Paine College Opening and Dedication of the HEAL Center; and, Host, Paine College UNCF Telethon - NBC, TV Channel 26 (2 years). She served as Vice-Chair ofWomen In Business; Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce; Toastmistress and Coffee Call. An entrepreneur and designer with business acumen, Ann was no stranger to runways and fashion. The Ann N. Johnson and Company presented fashion shows of Vintage Hats, Purses and Accessories from an historic prospective, for charitable, non-profit, civic, social and religious organizations.. Always championing the causes of youth as well as being cognizant of the need to equip them with skills and options, Ann initiated Sew Cool Sisters, where she organized and taught a sewing class for tweens and teens, introducing them to the pleasures of sewing and designing as well as its values for economic gains. Anns pleasures, delights and joys were wide ranging from fashion designing, sewing, singing and tennis to spending time with seniors and care giving to those in need. She enjoyed fishing, entertaining, embracing family and friends to collecting vintage fashions and accessories, antique furniture and art. Upon retirement from Paine College as Executive Assistant to the President, international opera star and Augustan, Jessye Norman performed a benefit scholarship concert in Anns honor to establish,The Ann N. Johnson Endowed Scholarship, at Paine College, January 1998. The scholarship has been re- named The Ann N. Johnson and Ellis M. Johnson Endowed Scholarship. Further accolades are: 2006 Women of Excellence - Girl Scouts Award in Community Service; Feature Article-The Augusta Magazine, The Last Word, February 2008; Inaugural Commitment to Excellence Award, Paine College, September 2009; Woman of the Year, National Association of University Women; and, Soul Awarding Volunteer, Volunteer of the Year, 2014 Perry Broadcasting. In February 2018, Ann, (along with her husband) was honored by receiving the George and Dorothy Walton Volunteer Couple of the Year Award. Ann will live in loving memory by her husband, Ellis M. Johnson of Augusta, GA; sisters, Mrs. Helen Johnson, Evans, GA.; Mrs. Gladys (Dr. Robert) Sanders, Sanford, NC; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Annie R. Latson, Mrs. Eugenia J. Irvin, Mrs. Elizabeth (Robert) Hand; brothers-in-law Mr. Floyd Johnson, Mr. Luther (Eleanor) Johnson; adopted children: Mr. Leon (Angela) Brantley, Mrs. Georgia Jackson, Mrs. Wanda (Dr. Keith) McRae, Mr. 8c Mrs. Jason (Janua) Wisdon and their children, Dr. Donna (Elmer) Pickett, Ms. Ambrosia Mason, Mrs. Amanda (Emory) Williams, Ms. Linda Thabiti, Mrs. Loretta Wheatley, Mr. Lynwood Holmes; god children, Ms. Robin Turman, Ms. Marissa Appling, Mr. Brian Wynn, Mr. Jarvis Henley, Mr. Gerald Jordan, Mr. Kyle Horton, Ms. Portia Brooks, Mr. Jermaine Lawrence, Mr. Trey McLaughlin; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many very dear friends. I had a great life. (ANJ) The Links, Inc. (Augusta Chapter) The Friends and Board Members of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Sigma Chapter Lucy C. Laney Class of 1956 Anns Many Dear Friends There are so many people who made significant contributions to the life and legacy of Ann N. Johnson. In all of her life-long endeavors, she had the support and cooperation of the community, ensuring that her numerous projects were successful. We thank you. So much love, kindness, and support were shown throughout her seven-year battle with breast cancer. Her oncologist and friend, Dr. Miriam Atkins provided the optimum in medical care; her nieces, Mrs.Trade Gallop and Mrs. Latrilla Boyd provided devoted and excellent in-home services. We are grateful to them. Even now as Ann has transitioned, there has been an enormous outpouring of love for her through numerous acts of kindness and sympathy extended to her family, for which we say, Thank you. If so desired, an appropriate way to memorialize Ann is by contributing to the following organizations/ministries that Ann loved and supported: Paine College, 1235 Fifteenth St. 30901, Elim Baptist Church (transportation ministry), 2359 Mt. Auburn St. Augusta, GA 30904, Jessye Norman School of the Arts, 739 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901, The Links, Inc. 1816 Empress Ct., Augusta, GA 30906. W. H. Mays Mortuary Professional Service A Family Tradition Since 1922" 1221 James Brown Boulevard Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722-6401 Design/Printing By: Augusta Blueprint * Augusta, Georgia * (706) 722-6488 WWW.AUGUSTAFUNERALNOTICES.COM