Homegoing service of Mrs. Ophelia Blount Johnson, sunrise, December 13, 1928, sunset, June 10, 2008, Saturday, June 14, 2008, 11:00 a.m., Thankful Baptist Church, 302 Walker Street, Augusta, Georgia, the Reverend Dr. Sam Tanksley, interim pastor, the Reverend Dr. Victor R. Thomas, pastor, Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, presiding, the Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Irvin Sr., pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church

Homegoing Service of
Mrs. Ophelia BlountJohnson

Sunrise December 13, 1928

Sunset June 10, 2008

Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:00 AM
Thankful Baptist Church 302 Walker Street Augusta, Georgia
The Reverend Dr. Sam Tanksley, Interim Pastor The Reverend Dr. Victor R. Thomas, Pastor, Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church
Presiding, The Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Irvin Sr., Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church

Zribute
She was more than a grandmother, she was "Mama Ophelia." And if every child had a "Mama Ophelia" in his/her life, the world would be a better place in which to live. Mama Ophelia held our tiny little hands for only a little while, but her unconditional love and devotion forever will live in our hearts.
When we think o f Mama Ophelia today, we think o f a woman with a true sense o f refinement and someone who prided herself on her knowledge o f social graces and proper etiquette. We think o f all o f life's lessons she taught us and words o f wisdom she passed along. We ponder over all o f the support and encouragement she gave by attending all o f our games, auditions, recitals, competitions, school plays, and graduations. Mama Ophelia was ALWAYS there. Because she was a grandmother, she always would do those special things that never will be forgotten. For instance, we will never see another time where everyday meals are prepared and waiting on the table for us when we get home. We will never have the luxury o f someone waiting to pick us up like she waited on us countless times from school, piano lessons, basketball practice, cheerleading practice, or ballet classes. We forever will be appreciative for her never-ending generosity. We are reminded o f the pride she had in herself, her family, and all she did.. She always will be remembered for her uncanny sense o f fashion, style, and flare. We will strive to keep a house as immaculate and meticulously appointed as hers. There never will be another road trip taken, Sunday drive driven, or an errand for where we won't still feel like she's one o f the passengers, for Mama Ophelia dearly loved "to ride." And finally, when we fall on our knees to pray, there will always be a prayer o f thanks for Mama Ophelia because she instilled in us a love for God and church. There wasn't a time that we left to go back to our own homes or talked to her on the phone that she wouldn't say, "Don't forget to say your prayers." Because God was the source o f all o f her strength, and what a strong and courageous lady she was, He is the source o f ours.
Because Mama Ophelia was the lady she was and lived the life she did, we are who we are today. Because o f her love o f children, we were nourished and can pass that love to our children. Because Mama Ophelia taught us responsibility, we have now flourished into productive and successful adults.
Mama Ophelia's death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but her love forever will leave a memory no one can steal. The flower that was Mama Ophelia has withered, but all the seeds that she so delicately planted, remain.
Mama Ophelia has now put on her long white robe and her life has told the story o f how she made it over.
We love you, M am a Ophelia,
Tour Granddaughters

O bituary
The epitome o f elegance and grace; this was truly Ophelia Johnson. Her ability to take something simple and make it extraordinary, was a true gift from God. Born in another time and place, Ophelia Johnson could have been a world renowned decorator and designer. However, the Lord chose to have her talent displayed in her home and community. "Mama Ophelia," was able to create a home decor that is to this day, "simply unforgettable." As God would have it, she was always willing to share this gift with other family and friends.
Ophelia Johnson's talents and gifts were undeniable. Her love o f God and His word were evident in every aspect o f her life. She never would forget to encourage young people to pray and trust God. This encouragement did not just stop at mere words to others, but, was practiced in her daily walk with God. O f all the wonderful things we will remember about her, the sound o f her voice praying each morning will be her everlasting legacy to our family.
On June 10, 2 0 0 8 , God called another one o f His children into His marvelous Kingdom. She was born December 13, 1928, to the late Hubert and Gaynell Smalley Blount, Augusta, Georgia.
She was a lifelong and faithful member for sixty-seven years o f Greater M t. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. At Greater Mt. Canaan, she used her gifts from God, to sing with the choir, participate in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, the Mission Board, the Mother's Board, Silver Stars, and worked tirelessly with the youth o f Greater M t. Canaan. Her dedication to God and her church was truly an inspiration.
She was married to Deacon Alfred Johnson for sixty-two years. Four children blessed their union: Robert Lee Johnson (preceded her in death), Betty June Johnson, Augusta, Georgia, Robert Lee Smith (Gwen), Spartanburg, South Carolina, and James Willie Smith, Augusta, Georgia.
Other love ones include: a devoted sister, Mrs. Hester Lou Blount Stallings (predeceased); five loving granddaughters, Sara Ophelia Hatcher, Columbus, Georgia, Beah June Bell (Percy, Jr.), Raleigh, North Carolina, Tiffany, Stephanie, and Brittany Mack, all o f Augusta, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Irene Johnson Peterson, Newark, New Jersey, Marie Johnson Peters Brown, Augusta, Georgia; one goddaughter, Susie Peters Stevens (Jimmie), Augusta, Georgia; several adopted goddaughters, and a host o f loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are all saddened by her passing.

Order of Service
Processional................................................................ Clergy and Family
Scriptures........................................................ Old and New Testament The Reverend Nathaniel Irvin, Sr.
Prayer.................................................The Reverend Jacob C. Trowell Pastor Emeritus, Gethsemane Baptist Church
Selection..................................................................The Voices o f Canaan Greater Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
Remarks.............................................................. Deacon Jimmie Sidbury Greater Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Mrs. Sherri Trammell Johnson Greater Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church
T rib u te...................................................................... Betty June Johnson Daughter
Selection..................................................................The Voices o f Canaan
Acknowledgements....................................................... Lori J. Howard Like a Daughter
E u lo g y .......................The Reverend Dr. Victor R. Thomas, Pastor
Recessional
Interm ent...............................................................Southview Cemetery
Repast .............Greater Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

Active Pallbearers
Clinton P. Green Stanley Williams Lawrence Bennett Alexander Bentley E. Christopher Johnson, Sr. Earnest Sanders
Honorary Pallbearers
Greater Mt. Canaan Mothers' Board
The Voices o f Canaan
Acknowledgements
One o f the most magnanimous blessings that God can bestow upon a family is having the Care - Love - Support o f friends when it is needed the most. With hearts filled with thanksgiving and humbleness, we are grateful to each o f you who displayed compassion and kindness in a myriad o f ways during our love ones illness as well as the time o f bereavement. We especially want to thank Dr. W. Joseph Hillson, the ninth floor and Palliative Staff o f the University Hospital; a devoted niece, Delores S. Green; like a daughter, Lori Howard; like a son, Dr. James F. Hatcher, Jr., and the Thankful Baptist Church family for graciously allowing us to use their sanctuary.
The Family
W. H . Mays M ortuary "Professional Service A Family Tradition Since 1922"
1221 James Brown Boulevard Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722-6401