printable service program

Precious Memories
Celebration of Life
for
Dorothy M. Johnson
February 6, 1931
May 9, 2016
Saturday, May 14, 2016
10:00 AM Family Visitation
12:00 PM Celebration Service
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO:
4300 Statesville Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28269
(704) 509.1550 Phone * (704) 509.1549 Fax
Rockwell AME Zion Church
6101 Rockwell Church Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28269
Reverend Jordan B. Boyd Officiating
Obituary
Order of Service
Surrounded by her immediate family and loved ones, Dorothy May Johnson, 85, of Burlington, NJ, passed away
on May 9, 2016, in Huntersville, NC. She was born to Daisy Cecilia Layton Johnson and John Johnson on
February 6th, 1931 in Trenton, NJ. Fearless and elegant, Dorothy will perpetually be remembered for her fierce
independence, generosity, quick wit and passionate love for her adorable three dogs, Snowflake, Jimmy Jimmy,
and Andre.
Prelude
After graduating from Trenton High School and marrying, she found an occupational niche in law enforcement
which would suitably accommodate her unique and memorable personality for years. She was the first AfricanAmerican woman to work at Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, NJ, and rapidly rose to the level of
Sergeant with the resounding respect of her peers and even the inmates. Due to her tough love and humanistic
approach of treating all people considerately, the inmates here once gifted her with a handmade golf club set,
reflecting her love of the sport. Dorothy was also employed as Sergeant at the Minimum Security Facility in
Pemberton, NJ, where she eventually retired after over 20 years of exceptional service.
Call to Worship
As the Lord Jesus Christ called us all to be Good Samaritans, Dorothy’s home and assistance were open to
everyone in need – even down to the helpless children and animals she absolutely loved. While it may have
sometimes come with some stern advice, it was always free of charge, heartfelt, and genuinely concerned with no
expectations in return.
An incredibly well-rounded individual, Dorothy was very sociable with many different interests and activities
filling her life wherever she went. An avid bowler and excellent seamstress known for her fashionable sartorial
creations, she also loved card games (spades & rummy), crocheting, golf, Scrabble, boxing, dancing, and more.
For many years she was raised in Mt. Zion A.M.E Church in Trenton, NJ. After marrying she became a
member of Bethlehem A.M.E. Church in Burlington, NJ, until she relocated to Charlotte, NC and joined her
beloved church, Rockwell A.M.E. Zion. She was also an active member of the Mecklenburg County Senior
Nutrition Program, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC in which she participated in bible study,
spearheaded senior fashion shows, served food and read to elder seniors. Her attendance at Rockwell A.M.E
Zion in Charlotte, NC included Sunday services and noon day bible study. She was a life member of WHOMS
(Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society) and the Lay Council at Rockwell A.M.E. Zion Church. She
had a very unique and special relationship with her pastor, Reverend Jordan Boyd where they shared many
memorable moments.
Dorothy Johnson is predeceased by her parents, brothers, Joseph Johnson, John Johnson, Raymond Johnson, and
beloved departed West Highland Terriers, Snowflake and Andre. Dorothy is survived by her sisters, Alice Todd,
Isabelle Breeden, Daisy Inman, and Elvira Cary. Dorothy is survived by her children with Edward Hutton, Jr.:
including Sharon Jones, Tina Gatling, Edward Hutton III, Mimi Denise Hutton-Marshall, Eric Hutton, son-inlaw, Jon Marshall, adopted daughter Floree Epps, adopted sons Robert Ayers, Don McClendon and beloved
godson, William (Neil) Hutton, Jr.
She is also survived by her best friend Verletta Quiveors, and a host of beautiful, kind, intelligent grandchildren
and great-grandchildren. All of whom are profoundly honored to have known, loved, and been cared for by her.
She loved all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren immensely!
Grandchildren: James Bryan Gillette (wife, Bridget), Mia Canady (husband, Fred), Cedric Jones (wife,
Najah), George Holland, Christina Holland, Christian Holland (wife, Alisa), Felicia Hutton, Edward IV
Hutton, (wife, Tyesha Hutton), Shandryn Nelson, (husband, Willie), Dawn Gaines, and Carlais Pyles.
Great-Grandchildren: Ciera Canady, Cameron Canady, Jaia Gillette, Mikai Gillette, Cedric Jones, Jr.,
Keturah Jones, Zafir Jones, Andre Ross, Milan Holland, Christian Holland, Jr., Marai Holland, Naasir
Gabriel, Naseem Gabriel, Julian Nelson, Tre’vonne Black, Inaya Felder, and Ronald McKinley.
Moment of Sharing
10:00 AM—12:00 PM
Friends May Visit With The Family
Invocation
Selection
Voices of Rockwell
Scripture Readings
OT - Deuteronomy 31:6 - Edward Hutton IV, grandson
Psalms 116:15
NT - II Timothy 4:6-8 - James Gillette, grandson
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Prayer of Comfort
Selection
Voices of Rockwell
Remarks
Mimi Hutton, daughter
Ciera Canady, great granddaughter
Edward Hutton, III, son
Solo
Christian Holland, grandson
Acknowledgements
Tina Gatling, daughter
Silent Reading of Obituary
Selection
Voices of Rockwell
Eulogy
Reverend Jordan Boyd
Benediction
Reverend Jordan Boyd
Repast immediately following the service at:
The John and Kathy Hairston Center
6103 Rockwell Church Road, Charlotte, NC 28269
Acknowledgements
A friendly smile, a casual touch, these are things that mean so much.
To know you are with us in our time of sorrow,
sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow.
God gives us the comfort in the form of good friends,
may His peace be with you,
His love never ends.
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