Ernestine T. Johnson

July 18, 1939 - May 16, 2018

Ernestine Tatum Johnson departed this earthly life on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at the Agape Hospice House of the Midlands in Columbia, South Carolina. Born in West Point, New York, on July 18, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Leon and Helen Jackson Tatum. Educated in the New York Public School system, she was a graduate of Highland Falls High School (now James O’Neil High School) in Highland Falls, New York. Ms. Johnson was a faithful member of the Little Zion Baptist Church where she served in the following capacities: Noonday Bible Study Class; the Senior Ministry of Little Zion; and the Women of Wisdom Community Organization. She was a deeply spiritual person who loved God and served Him every day of her life. She was a breast cancer survivor of 17 years, and she participated in numerous cancer awareness walks and education drives. The matriarch of the family, her world revolved around her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Nana.” She was a quiet, soft-spoken, gentle and sweet caregiver who was always available to provide comfort and hugs. She had a good sense of humor and a good heart. Her love for her family was the paramount in her life. She was united in marriage to Ronald B. Johnson in October 1957, and to this union three children were born. She was a certified nurse’s assistant with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital system. Even though the marriage dissolved, they remained friends and life partners. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son Myron B. Johnson; and four sisters: Barbara D. Hibler, Dorothy Byrd, Leona Truss, and Maxine Marshall. She leaves to cherish precious memories her children: Ronica Johnson, Rodney Johnson and Ronnie Lee, Jr.; daughter-in-law Christina Johnson; thirteen grandchildren: Leon, Katherine, Keith, Leslie, Bobby, Zola, Ronnie, Rondria, Heath, Lynette, Rene, Sade, and Aaliyah; two great-grandchildren: Karmen and Monica; a sister Justina Brooks; and a host of other relatives and friends.