RUTHELLA JOHNSON

Mrs. Ruthella Coleman Johnson was born on May 28, 1929, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents, William and  Eula Lee Lewis Coleman.  She left this earthly life on Monday,  September 4, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

Ruthella completed her primary and secondary education at Indianapolis Public School #87, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School, in 1947. She then went on to further her education at Indiana Central College, (now University of Indianapolis).

Ruthella confessed her belief in Christ at the age of 15 years at Church of Christ Holiness, and she later joined St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, in 1952. She served her church as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Kitchen  Ministry, Flower Matron, Juvenile Rehabilitation Circle, Women’s Department, Love Center, and attended State Regional (Midwest) Progressive National Baptist Conventions. 

Ruthella married her neighbor and love of her life, Ezra W. Johnson, on June 17, 1950. To this union, four children were born: Marcia, Sheryl, Teresa, and Ezra, Jr. 

After being employed at RCA for 20 years, Ruthella retired. She then later was employed by the families of Earl Townsend, Richard and Sharon Mattson, Earl Townsend, Jr., and Andrea  Zacharakis. She was esteemed as the “Purple Grandma” as an educator with the Foster Grandparents Program and worked at the Gifted and Talented Academy North Day Care Center.

Ruthella had many talents; she was an avid gardener, cruise ship queen, a pillar in the community, and a master dancer of the Electric Slide. Ruthella  was a Cub Scout Leader, and   active with Tabernacle Presbyterian Recreation Program as a Team Mother. She enjoyed cooking, and passing down family recipes and traditions from generation to generation. Those who were fortunate enough to know Ruthella knew what was important to her:  Her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Family, and her favorite color, Purple. Ruthella demonstrated this by displaying her dedication to her church, her never ending support to her family; often coordinating her family reunions. You could always see her coming in the sanctuary, down the hall, or on the bus stop with her beautiful smile, adorned in Purple.

Mrs. Ruthella Coleman Johnson was preceded in death by her husband Ezra, sister Mary Lee Coleman Miller, brother West Lewis Coleman, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Coleman. She now, goes to join them where they wait just beyond the Pearly Gates. She leaves to cherish her loving memories to her precious children, Marcia Ann Johnson Davie (Ron), Sheryl Elaine Johnson, Teresa Alice Johnson Reynolds (Alfred-deceased) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Ezra  Wallace, Jr. (Rosa) of Houston, Texas; brother, William (Barbara) Coleman; sisters-in-law, Tometta Purcell, Darnella Johnson of Long Beach, California, and Althea Spunner Johnson of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Last but not least, she leaves her bonus children,  Andrew Laury, Sharon Matson and      Andrea Zacharakis; grandchildren, James, Joseph, LaTanya, JaNita, Gregory, Rhonda (Marshall),    Rachel (Octavius), Ryan, Brooke, Tayler, Ezra III, Noah, Meagan, Seth, Braylyn, Raymond Jacob (RJ), Faith,  Triniti, Rudolfo, Andie, and Randy; great-grandchildren:  Amber, Destiny, Jordan, RaSean,   Savaniah, Marshall, Mason, Reagan,  Christopher, Genesis, Joi, Nina, King, Sir, Osiria, Levi, Joshua, Seth Jr., Melissa, Michael, Nick, Hunter, and Kaleb, Courtney , Taylor; great-great-grandchildren, Erieon, EriAmer, Eriez, Serenity, Kayson, Evan, Christopher Jr., Jru, Harper, Lapre, and LaDon, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and the Golden Girls.

Humbly Submitted……...........................….The Family

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