Elvalena Betty (Anderson) Johnson, 94, passed away on Thursday, August 25th in the comfort of her home.
Elvalena was born September 4, 1921 in Columbia, Virginia to Harry Lee Anderson and Betty Lou (Wells) Anderson. Elvalena graduated from S.C. Abrams High School (Fluvanna County, VA) in 1939 and in 1947 was married to John S. Johnson.
Elvalena, also known by her nickname "Mama Lena", was a resident of Kent since 1961 and worked for over 20 years as a housekeeper in the Kent area. She was a member of Union Baptist Church in Kent. She enjoyed cooking and was known as a great cook. She also enjoyed gardening and flowers, feeding "her" birds, caring for her dogs, and watching Cleveland Indians baseball and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games.
She is survived by sons: Tony Anderson of Philadelphia; Lonnie "LBJ" and John D. Johnson of Kent; daughter Minnie Green of Kent; grandchildren: Duane Johnson of Kent, Lonnie "Peanut" Johnson Jr. of Kent, Anthony Anderson of Ravenna, Tony Anderson of New York, Marcus Anderson of Philadelphia, Boyd (LaShonda) Marston of Austin, TX and three great grandchildren; brother, Rufus Anderson of Philadelphia; sisters Elizabeth Carter of Philadelphia and Margaret Johnson of Washington D.C.; sister-in-law Doris Bowens of New York; caregiver and special friend, Felice Bozeman of Kent, nephews and nieces and many other dear relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 66 years John S. Johnson; brothers, Harry Wells Jr. and Harry William Anderson and sisters, Irene Anderson and Florence Brooks.
The family would like to express their gratitude to her physician, Dr. Bernard Smith and the UH Portage Nursing Home Services/Hospice Program for their dedication and care for her well-being. Thank you for all the cards, flowers, love, support and prayers from family and many friends.
Elvalena was a wonderful and caring person always ready to give to others. We will miss her contagious smile, sense of humor and most of all her singing of "Down by the River".
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. In keeping with Elvalena's wishes no calling hours, private family graveside services will be held officiated by Pastor Dr. W.C. Watts Jr. Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory are handling the arrangements.