Phoebe Johnson

“Praise the Lord! Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, Praise ye the Lord.” - Psalm 150

Phoebe Johnson was born on April 21, 1928 to the late Benjamin and Martha Brown in McClellanville, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: James Brown Sr., Alberta Smith, Celia Weston, Louis Brown, Herline Brinson, and Ben Brown.

Phoebe received her education in her hometown before deciding to relocate to Philadelphia in search of work. Philadelphia boasted a series of events that tested her perseverance. She worked various jobs as a housekeeper and later became a seamstress. She maintained her employment as such into her older years until she finally retired. Her time in Philadelphia wasn’t all trials and tribulations. It was in this city that she met her late husband, Arthur Linwood Johnson. Their union was blessed with four children where she devoted her time to be a loving wife and a caring mother.

Phoebe Johnson was also a God-fearing woman. When her time wasn’t spent caring for her family, her time was spent with the Lord. In 1980, Phoebe was baptized at Deliverance Evangelistic Church. There she served on numerous ministries, the choir, nursing home ministry, and attending baptisms. In 1996, God led her to True Light Fellowship Church and continued to serve as a prayer warrior. Her motherly touch to many of the church led her to be known as “Mother Phoebe”. She was also known as Pastor’s cheerleader, always shouting “Hallelujah” during sermons. Mother Phoebe also diligently served as the Vice President and later as President of the Mothers’ Board for many years until her health began to deteriorate. However, she still continued to serve as a spiritual counselor of the Mothers’ Board.

Phoebe Johnson was a lover of flowers and managed her garden. She loved traveling, and cooking large family dinners. Her greatest joys were reading and sharing the Word of God, praying and praising the Lord. She loved people and when she called you “Sugar”, you were magnetically bonded to her. She always made time to help others and touched many lives.

Mother Phoebe, for she was a mother in all aspects, will forever be remembered for her caring heart, prayers, and praise.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Angela Johnson, Zina Hardy, Celeste Barbour, and Penzolia Brown (deceased), one son: Myron Johnson, Arthur L. Johnson Jr. (deceased), her grandchildren: Alicia E. Brown, Myrina P. Johnson, Saleema R. Johnson, David S. Hardy Jr., Ashley D. Johnson, Latoya S. Brown, and Ciara L. Hardy, many great grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.