Ms. Bee's Amazing Journey

Ms. Johnnie Lee Butler, fondly known as "Ms. Bee," was born Josie Bell Jefferson on August 13, 1936, in Richland Parish, Louisiana. She was the fourth of fifteen children born to Bobby and Sarah Johnson-Jefferson. Delivered by a midwife, as was customary in those times, Ms. Bee's early life was a reflection of her era and community. Her family lived on Bob Rhymes Place, a property from the post-slavery era, and survived through a barter system, working the land to meet their needs.

Growing up, Ms. Bee took on significant responsibility, helping to care for her younger siblings. This nurturing...