Our dearest Matriarch, Willie Mae Johnson, at the beautiful age of 94, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Manhattan, NY. Willie Mae, the eldest child to parents, Willie Bellinger and Viola Bowman, was born in Round O, SC in the County of Colleton, Sheridan Township, on October 18, 1930.

Willie Mae attended and graduated from Colleton Training School, currently named, Colleton High School, located in Walterboro, South Carolina. on June 8, 1949. Prior to completing her studies, she visited and resided with her aunt in Brooklyn, NY. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Robert. L Johnson. She moved from Round O, SC to Brooklyn, NY in 1949. Willie Mae and Robert reunited in the summer of 1949 and married on August 26, 1950. They remained married until his passing on January 14, 1999. Willie Mae and Robert moved from Brooklyn NY to Alfred E. Smith Housing in 1953. At this time, they had two children, Gloria and Audrey, born 13 months apart, and their third child, Vanessia, who was born in 1961. While Robert served in the military, Willie Mae dedicated her time to raising their three daughters. 

Willie Mae was employed with Berkley Photo located in Manhattan NY for approximately 15 years.

Willie Mae was known for having a sophisticated and appealing presentation, characterized by a vogue sense of style in fashion. She had the ability to dress appropriately for various occasions and a unique aesthetic that complimented her personality.  Mommy was also known for her exceptional baking techniques, and no one could make a cake like mommy. Mommy and Daddy joyfully hosted New Year's celebration at their home every year for decades, welcoming friends and family to share in laughter, food and love. Those gatherings became a treasured tradition, embodied with comfort and togetherness as the sweet aroma of her creations filled the atmosphere, which will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to experience said events.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her mother, Viola Bowman, brother, Kiel Bellinger, father Willie Bellinger, husband Robert L. Johnson, sister, Delphine McPherson and eldest daughter, Gloria Jean Johnson.

Willie Mae also leaves to mourn her two surviving daughters, Audrey Rose and Vanessia Johnson, one son-in-law, Mario Chery, ten grandchildren, Wanda Johnson, Tashi Rose, Emandell Seay, Timothy Seay, Yolanda Seay, NaQuan Rose, Vicki Seay and Courtney Johnson, JoVon Johnson and Ramona Green, eleven great-grandchildren, Imani Pierrecharles, Jewel Pierrecharles, Keyonna Condison, Emandell Seay, SeQuan Rose, Jada Seay, Jeremiah Davis, Jayair Johnson, Chloe Morrison, Kourtney Jones, Kaisen Jones, a host of cousins, extended family, blended family and many long-time friends.

Mommy had one special family friend of many decades, Arlene Newsom, who was with her at the time of her passing. It is important to acknowledge that Arlene visited mommy several times a week since 1999. Her loyalty and dedication will forever be embedded in the minds and hearts of the Johnson family, and we will always love and cherish her for being a close and trusted friend.