Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Harvey Lee Johnson 88, of Monroe LA, was a loving mother of twelve and adoring wife to J. H. Johnson, who passed away in the early hours on Thursday March 17, 2022. Harvey was born April 9, 1933, in Rhymes, Louisiana, and grew up in a large family of seven sisters and two brothers; and a host of aunts and uncles. Harvey was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. After relocating to Monroe, she worked in the hospitality industry at Carousel Cafeteria, Wyatt's Cafeteria, Two Brothers, and lastly Motel 6 where she retired at the age of 55. She joined Greater New Hope Baptist Church under the late Reverend J. J. Stewart and served on the usher board. As one of her favorite pastimes, Harvey loved preparing home-cooked meals and had pride in herself in using only the best ingredients in preparing meals. In addition to cooking, she was an avid communicator and loved talking on the telephone for hours on end. On January 8, 2022, Harvey rededicated her life to Christ and became a member of the We Are the Salt of the Earth Ministries under Pastor Pernell Ford. She was preceded in death by parents, Harvey Lee Johnson and Vivian Thornton Johnson; two sons, Cleotha Johnson and Earl James Johnson; three sisters, Louise Johnson Fields, Ola Bea Johnson Reddick, Wornest Johnson Byrd; and two brothers, Andrew Johnson and Earnest Johnson. Harvey is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, J. H. Johnson of Monroe; 10 children, Patricia (Wilbert) Robinson, Monroe, LA; Kenny (Audrey) Johnson, Las Vegas, NM; Barbara (Mikel) Johnson, Monroe, LA; Terry Johnson, Baton Rouge, LA; Kelvin (Shirley) Johnson, Monroe, LA; Thomas (Niecy) Johnson, Opelousas, LA; Darren Johnson, Monroe, LA; Ruby Johnson, Ruston, LA; Vicky Johnson, Monroe, LA; Geraldine (Perry) Porter, Monroe, LA; 4 sisters, Johnnie Haynes, Dorice Haynes, both of Monroe, LA; Barbara Williams, Teresa Williams, both of Los Angeles, CA; 38 grandchildren; 63 great grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Mount Zion Baptist Church Life Center 100 N 18th Street, Monroe, LA with Pastor Pernell Ford officiating. Interment will follow at Richwood Memorial Gardens in Monroe, LA. Visitation will be held from 3PM – 5PM on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home 907 Winnsboro Road, Monroe LA.