Dorothy F. Johnson

Mother, Dorothy Johnson, quietly and peacefully departed this life on Monday, July 12, 2021, at home in Delaware with her loving family. Dorothy, the youngest of 13 children, was born April 18, 1925, in Cross, SC to the late James and Daisy (Aiken) Pinckney. She was educated in the South Carolina school system, where she developed a lifelong love for reading. Dorothy met and married the late Ernest Harleston from Goose Creek, SC; they were blessed with 5 children, and later relocated to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1952. Dorothy worked in dietary at the Women's Hospital of Philadelphia, and then as a seamstress for many years at a dress factory. Lastly, she was employed as a domestic worker for the Fullem's family in Haverford, Pa. for 25 years. They showed her lots of appreciation for her dedication to their family. She retired and later married Melvin Johnson of Chester, Pa. They were lovingly devoted to each other for 36 years and were faithful members of Providence Baptist Church for over 30 years under the pastorates of Rev. Matthew C. Haskell and the late Rev. Joel B. McGee. She taught Sunday School and he was a Trustee. As a loving couple they studied together daily as they listened to Dr. J. Vernon McGee on the radio. Bible discussion was her passion! One of her favorite sayings to express gratitude for all that the Lord had done for her, and her family was her echo of, “Oh, thank you Master". Dorothy also had a passion for gardening and often shared her many unique vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers with the community. She received a Master Gardener's certificate from the Pennsylvania State University and won several awards sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for her presentations. Her love of gardening and wise tips were featured in the Home and Family Design Magazine of the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1996. She was so loving and kind to so many and freely served her family, friends, and neighbors. She always made herself available to talk to people openly without judgement and offered her support as needed. Affectionately and lovingly known as “Mom”, “Grandmom” and by her nieces and nephews as “Aunt Flossie” and “Aunt Dot”. One of her many grandsons, Casey, quotes in his poem, "Grandma's Song" that ..."with beauty that is timeless parallel to her mind which is strong as Moses' staff. She's inspiring like the Psalms of David with words of wisdom from the Messiah." Grandson Kevin also shared expressions of remembrance of how she made him feel loved, “To know this gracious woman was to love her indeed.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Johnson, and her eldest son Ernest “June”. Dorothy leaves fond memories to be shared by her two sons, Alphonso and Willie Lee Harleston, two daughters, Vivian Fearrington and Brenda Wilborn, two sons-in-law, Lathaniel and John, two daughter-in-laws, Gloria and Louiser, two stepdaughters, Henrietta and Ruthie and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors and friends. Lovingly submitted, The Family Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84921211426?pwd=dTFqclplZDFoN3RuRTBaUzUraUI3UT09

Dorothy F. Johnson

April 18, 1927 - July 12, 2021