Odessa Johnson

Odessa Johnson, a cherished member of her Douglasville, Georgia community, passed away on October 26, 2024 at the age of 97. Odessa was born on July 12, 1927, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to the late John Richard and the late Decie Ivy Miller Nixon. At an early age, her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where she completed her education, married Robert Johnson, Jr. and raised her family. This union, which lasted over fifty years, produced four daughters, Barbara, Frances, Shirley and Monica.

Odessa lived a life filled with purpose and dedication. Family always came first. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was fiercely protective of her children. She was always available to anyone who needed her, and her home was always the place to get a good home-cooked meal, served with love. Friends of her children would look forward to having a feast when one of her daughters came to visit. 

As an active member of her church, Odessa’s time was deeply woven into the fabric of her church community. Her spirituality and commitment to service led her to preside over the Usher Board #3 and actively participate in the Bereavement Ministries at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. Her devotion to her faith was a central pillar of her life, guiding her in all that she pursued. Odessa's commitment was reflective of her compassionate and caring personality. 

In her younger years, Odessa found joy in bowling, and throughout her life, she engaged in numerous hobbies that brought her fulfillment and an opportunity to gather with family and friends. She loved playing cards, dancing, and in recent years, watching her favorite television shows, including The Price is Right and Family Feud.

Odessa's legacy is one of kindness, spiritual devotion, and commitment to her daughters. Proudly, her greatest accomplishments were her family and the strong bonds she forged with her loved ones. She was known for being a sharp dresser, embodying a sweet and non-judgmental demeanor that left an indelible mark on all who encountered her. Odessa’s adoring characteristics included being a no-nonsense, matter-of-fact person, which resulted in respect and love from others.

In addition to her parents, Odessa is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Johnson, Jr.; daughter, Shirley Ann Johnson; sister, Mary Louise Washington and son-in-law, Donald Rafael Henderson, MD, MPH.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara J. Wood and husband Theodore Wilson, Frances Hardwell and husband, West Hardwell, and Monica “Lynn” Holt-Henderson; grandchildren, Pamela Davis, Kenya Williams and husband Andre Williams, Marcus Davis and wife Karen Davis, and Eric Holt; great-grandchildren, Alexis Davis, Chasen Williams, Colby Williams, and Kennedi Williams as well as extended family who have had a special place in her heart, Jackie Hollis and Rhonda Reeves.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society | http://www.cancer.org/

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Odessa's life at the Jones-Wynn - Douglas Chapel in Douglasville, GA. The memorial gathering will be held November 12, 2024 from 1:00 -2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com under Odessa’s Obituary at the Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory of Douglasville, GA. (770) 942-2311