Mrs. Essie Mae Wilson Johnson, 73, of 106 Jetter Rd. Grover, NC departed this life on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Shelby, NC.  She was born on March 18, 1940 in Cleveland County NC to the late Ernest and Annie Pearl Guest Wilson.

Mrs. Johnson joined Hopper’s Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful and devoted member there for many years until joining Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church.  She was very passionate about her church and faithfully served over the years as a Sunday school teacher, choir director, deaconess and a missionary member. She loved to sing and led many songs at church.  In addition to her church activities, her community activities included being a former member of the Shelby Negro Woman’s Club and visiting the sick and shut-in.

Mrs. Johnson, who was the glue of her family, will be remembered for her happy and jolly spirit.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend.

She wed her husband, Billy Joe Johnson on June 16, 1956 and they remained devoted to each other until her passing.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, of 56 years, Billy Joe Johnson; their three children, Billy Christopher Johnson (Brenda) of Gaffney, SC, Karen Denise Johnson Myers (James) of Winston-Salem, NC and Toby O’Neal Johnson (Lisa) of Grover, NC; a sister, Annie O’Neal Baxter (Clinton) of Shelby; three grandchildren, LaQuanda Smith of Shelby, James Brandon Myers of Winston-Salem, NC and Madysin Hogue of Shelby; three great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Smith, Ja’Shon Hopper and Tre’Shon Hopper; her best friend, Mary Byers of Shelby and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 4:00 PM at Hoppers Chapel Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Logan delivering the eulogy.  Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 PM at the church on Saturday.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net.  Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.