Mrs. Jonnie Emery Johnson was born on December 15, 1932, in Alexandria, Louisiana to James Emery, Sr. and Waxie Harris Emery. Her Christian foundation was firmly established when she was baptized at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church. There, in the 5th grade, she began playing as the sole pianist during World War II, beginning a lifelong ministry and love of music.
Jonnie attended Peabody High School in Alexandria, where she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class, before continuing her education at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. Entering Southern University’s accelerated program in 1951 as a recipient of the T.H. Harris Scholarship, Jonnie distinguished herself academically and musically. She was a member of the University Choir and served as pianist for the mid-week vespers led by Dean Martin L. Harvey. While attending Southern University, Jonnie became a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated through the Beta Psi Chapter, eventually affiliating with Eta Lambda Omega in Pasadena, CA, Theta Alpha Omega Chapter in Long Beach, CA and the Alpha Nu Omega Chapter in Oakland, CA and becoming a Lifetime Member. She also became a Life Member of the Southern University Alumni Federation.
In 1954, after graduating from Southern University Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Jonnie began teaching music at Carter C. Raymond School in Lecompte, Louisiana. Jonnie continued her distinguished career as a music educator with the Los Angeles School District for more than twenty years. Jonnie’s talent also opened doors for her to perform with choirs across the United States as well as internationally.
Jonnie joined the United Methodist Church in the 1950s and faithfully served churches as a pianist, organist, choir member, and youth chorus leader into her 80s. Her commitment to nurturing future generations was evident in her service on the Board of Directors of the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra in the California Bay Area, where she supported music education and artistic excellence for youth and remained actively engaged in the development of future musicians.
Jonnie met James “Jim” Johnson while taking graduate courses at UC Berkeley, an institution Jonnie and Jim promoted and supported for decades. They married in April 1958. While pursuing her own music career, Jonnie supported Jim in his career, moving five times in 13 years. Later on, they founded JAE Properties Inc., where Jonnie served as its secretary until her passing.
Together Jonnie and her husband explored numerous countries, attended ten Olympic Games from Montreal (1976) to London (2012). It was at the London Games where they watched their grandson, Kibwe, compete in the hammer throw. Through their travels, they embraced diverse cultures, creating cherished memories throughout their 68 years of marriage.
Jonnie was preceded in death by her parents, James Emery, Sr. and Waxie Harris Emery; her brother, James Menard Emery, Jr.; and most recently her beloved cousin and friend, Norma Patrick.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, James “Jim” Johnson; their sons, Alfred and Edmund; Edmund’s spouse, Cheryl; her grandchildren, Kibwe Johnson, Trevor Johnson, Trevor’s spouse Diana, Aliyyah Johnson, Aliyyah’s spouse Allison, Alexander Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, and Paityn Johnson; her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Marie Johnson, Ruby Emery Johnson, and Amara Kaye Johnson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, devoted sorors, former students, and cherished friends.
May we keep her memory alive and use it as a source of inspiration.