Essie Mae Johnson

Celebration of Life

Essie Mae Johnson, 79, of Lonoke, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. She was born on November 29, 1945, in Scott, Arkansas, to Aaron and Nancy Givens. After the death of her parents, she was raised by her uncle and aunt Paul and Alberta Nellum.

She accepted Christ at an early age at New Zion Baptist Church, Pettus, Arkansas, under the leadership of Pastor Will Davis and later Pastor Paul Nellum, where she continued her spiritual journey until 2019, when she united with St. John Baptist Church, Lonoke, Arkansas.

She married the love of her life Leo Johnson in 1969. Essie and Leo were blessed to raise four children: Darren, LaTonda, LaRhonda and Leon. 

Essie worked for many years at Timex Corp. in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1977, her husband Leo was in a near fatal accident, and she became his primary caregiver until his death. Following his death, Essie spent much of her time caring for her family, and also joined the staff at Lonoke Rehabilitation Center, caring for the elderly. 

She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons; Darren (Kia) Johnson, of Bowie, Maryland, and Leon Johnson of Lonoke, Arkansas two daughters; LaTonda Johnson, and LaRhonda Johnson, of Lonoke, Arkansas; five grandchildren; Randel Johnson, of Lonoke, Arkansas, Martenis (Sheneikka) Johnson of Petersburg ,Virginia, Zane Johnson of Bowie Maryland, Kerasha (Abbie) Johnson of Maumelle, Aylania Johnson Hammonds of Conway, and ten great grandchildren; three sisters Alice Givens Rufus of Lonoke, Norma Corlett of Conway and Paullester Walker of Sikeston Missouri; two brothers; Leo Nellum of Lonoke, and Ray Nellum of Conway; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.