Obituary for Lucille King Johnson (King)
Lucille Pearl King Johnson of Norfolk, Virginia, took her eternal rest on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. She was 88 years old. Born in Bayboro, NC on December 8, 1930, she was one of five children of Rufus and Clara King. Lucille’s father was a longshoreman and the King family moved to Norfolk, VA when she was a child. As she matured, Lucille developed many interests, including playing the piano, gardening and singing. She also grew strong in her Christian faith.
Lucille married the love of her life, Samuel H. Johnson (Jabo) in 1956. They were a maid and butler team that served many families in the Tidewater area for decades. From their home on Barney Street in Norfolk they raised their only daughter, Peggie, and established a loving and enduring marriage that lasted until his death in 1992. Later in life she became an entrepreneur and started her own daycare. Over the years, she helped to rear more than 30 children who would grow up to be successful teachers, doctors, lawyers and even a movie star!
Lucille loved New Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 70 years. She sang alto in the senior choir under the direction of Reginald Parker and Minister of Music, John A. Vann. Along with her life-long friend, Gwendolyn Crawford, she supervised the Children’s Usher Board. A devoted member of the Sunday school, she was the first to arrive each Sunday and was always prepared for the week’s lesson. In addition, she was a Christian missionary with the Co-Workers League. Always a giver, she donated money to Operation Smile for the children. She continued to attend church and serve the Lord until her health declined.
As an active member of the community, Lucille was a member of the Huntersville Civic League and was fondly known as the “Flower Lady.” As new residents would move into the neighborhood, she would welcome them by planting flowers from her yard into theirs. She was so proud of earning the neighborhood “Beautification Award” three times for having the prettiest yard in the Huntersville section of the city.
A real highlight for her was when Norfolk awarded her the “Paint Your Heart Out Award.” She was chosen as an elderly citizen who took pride in their home but could not handle the repairs and upkeep. For one week, city workers, electricians, carpenters, gardeners and painters came to fix up her home.
Socially, Lucille loved to play cards on Friday nights with friends. She also belonged to various bowling leagues. Although her health began to fail in recent years, she continued to enjoy crossword puzzles, daytime soap operas and was an enthusiastic follower of Family Feud with Steve Harvey.
She leaves to cherish her memory one loving daughter, Dr. Peggie Robertson (Edward), two brothers, Rufus King, Jr. of New York and Parish King of Delaware, a favorite great-niece, Monica Vines (Calvin) and great-nephew, Marcus Green (Cynthia), her church daughters, Diane Bacon and Glynis Mason, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, adopted children, family and friends.
“Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
Lucille married the love of her life, Samuel H. Johnson (Jabo) in 1956. They were a maid and butler team that served many families in the Tidewater area for decades. From their home on Barney Street in Norfolk they raised their only daughter, Peggie, and established a loving and enduring marriage that lasted until his death in 1992. Later in life she became an entrepreneur and started her own daycare. Over the years, she helped to rear more than 30 children who would grow up to be successful teachers, doctors, lawyers and even a movie star!
Lucille loved New Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 70 years. She sang alto in the senior choir under the direction of Reginald Parker and Minister of Music, John A. Vann. Along with her life-long friend, Gwendolyn Crawford, she supervised the Children’s Usher Board. A devoted member of the Sunday school, she was the first to arrive each Sunday and was always prepared for the week’s lesson. In addition, she was a Christian missionary with the Co-Workers League. Always a giver, she donated money to Operation Smile for the children. She continued to attend church and serve the Lord until her health declined.
As an active member of the community, Lucille was a member of the Huntersville Civic League and was fondly known as the “Flower Lady.” As new residents would move into the neighborhood, she would welcome them by planting flowers from her yard into theirs. She was so proud of earning the neighborhood “Beautification Award” three times for having the prettiest yard in the Huntersville section of the city.
A real highlight for her was when Norfolk awarded her the “Paint Your Heart Out Award.” She was chosen as an elderly citizen who took pride in their home but could not handle the repairs and upkeep. For one week, city workers, electricians, carpenters, gardeners and painters came to fix up her home.
Socially, Lucille loved to play cards on Friday nights with friends. She also belonged to various bowling leagues. Although her health began to fail in recent years, she continued to enjoy crossword puzzles, daytime soap operas and was an enthusiastic follower of Family Feud with Steve Harvey.
She leaves to cherish her memory one loving daughter, Dr. Peggie Robertson (Edward), two brothers, Rufus King, Jr. of New York and Parish King of Delaware, a favorite great-niece, Monica Vines (Calvin) and great-nephew, Marcus Green (Cynthia), her church daughters, Diane Bacon and Glynis Mason, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, adopted children, family and friends.
“Well done thy good and faithful servant.”