Lelia Mae Johnson

Lelia Mae Johnson

May 16, 1949 – March 29, 2024

Lelia (Lilia) Mae Johnson was born on May 16, 1949, at St. Mary Hospital in East St. Louis, Illinois. Her parents were Palmer and Ida Mae Anderson. Leila had seven siblings– Laverne, Diane, Edward, Palmer, Jr., Calvin, Gregory, and Geneva.

In 1956, Lelia, along with her parents and seven siblings moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she attended Omaha Technical High School. Lelia graduated in 1968 with a 4.0 GPA. She worked at Omaha Public Power District for 46 years in various roles.

Lelia attended Greater Bethlehem Temple and received the gift of the Holy Ghost when she was 15 years old under the pastorate of Bishop James P. Foster until the leadership transitioned to Bishop Nelson G. Turner. Lelia was a dedicated servant in the church where she worked in many different facets. Her vibrant, energetic personality and willing heart led her to use her gifts in the House of the Lord both in the choir and other performances. You could feel God’s presence when she sang “Jesus Will Work It Out”. She was an excellent actress and the best Evilene that GBT had ever seen in their production of “The Wiz”. Lelia’s portrayal of “Mama” in the production of “A Raisin In the Sun“ contributed to sold out performances.

In October of 1995, Lelia was united in marriage to Theodore (Ted) H. Johnson. They met on the bus where Ted was the driver. The rides sparked a friendship that turned into a marriage that lasted 29 years. While no children were born of this union they shared a blended family.

She went on to attend New Hope Apostolic Temple under the leadership of Bishop Lance R. Foster. where she continued to serve the Lord with gladness. She served on the Pastoral Care Team, the anniversary committee, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the finance team. She served until her health no longer permitted her to do so.

Lelia loved spending time with her family. Being surrounded by family was a joy for her. While raising her own son and daughter, she also helped raise her nieces and nephews. She was both stern and upfront but was one of the most affectionate and giving people you could know. Lelia spent the last of her days being cared for in the loving home of her “favorite” niece Enjoli Mitchell and wife Jasmine Newte Mitchell.

Lelia departed this earthly life on March 29, 2024, to rest in glory. She was a good and faithful servant and will be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ida Mae and Palmer L. Anderson; sister, Geneva McDonald; niece, E’lissa Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Theodore H. Johnson; son, Vincent P. Anderson; daughter, Alexandria Merhoff ( Marty); step-daughters, Candance White, Camille Johnson; sisters: Laverne (Timothy) Wilson, all of Omaha, NE and Diane Mitchell (Michael) of Chicago, IL, brothers: Edward Anderson of East St Louis, IL, Palmer Anderson Jr of Omaha, NE, Calvin Anderson(Sandra) of Fort Worth, TX, and Gregory Anderson (Patsy) of Dublin, Texas; best and dear friends: Betty Butler, Carolyn White, Barb Ware and Gloria Rodgers; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; in-laws; nephews; nieces; and a host of other family, church family and friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, April 6^th at 11am at New Hope Apostolic Temple, 6124 No. 99^th St.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.