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Obituary For Yvonne Johnson
Yvonne Jeffries Johnson, was born on October 26, 1942 in Greensboro to the late Rev. Vernon F. Jeffries and late Ruby Jeffries. At an early age, she went to live with her aunt and uncle, the late Dr. W.L. Kennedy and Lillian Jeffries Kennedy and continued to reside with them until her marriage. Yvonne is a proud Tribal Member of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She was very involved in the Girl’s Scouts of America becoming a troop leader for several years. She graduated from Dudley High School in 1960 and Bennett College in 1964, with a BA in Psychology. She then enrolled in Howard University and received a Graduate Fellowship. In 1978 Johnson received her Master of Science degree in Guidance Counseling from North Carolina A&T University.
On March 20, 1965, Yvonne married the love of her life, Attorney Walter T. Johnson, Jr. Immediately after marrying Walter, the couple moved to Newburgh, New York and resided at Stewart Air Force Base. Yvonne enjoyed her time in New York with friends while working as a Social Worker in Orange County, NY.
Yvonne and Walter desired to start a family and had their first child in 1968 after moving back to Greensboro, NC. By 1976, Yvonne and Walter’s had four beautiful children, Walter T., III, Vernon, Lisa, and Shannon, which they adored. In that same year, she and Walter became Co-Owners of Barjo Inc. a chemical manufacturing business while Yvonne served as President and worked for the company for five years. After leaving Barjo in 1983, Johnson became the Director of One Step Further, Inc, a non-profit agency that aided non-felony offenders. She served as Executive Director for more than 40 years until her retirement in June 2024. Under her administration eleven programs were developed to serve the citizens of Greensboro.
In 1993, Johnson decided to enter politics in her hometown and was elected to the Greensboro City Council. In 1998, she was elected Mayor Pro Tem and served in this capacity for six years before coming Greensboro Mayor in 2007. She won this election becoming Greensboro’s first African American Mayor. During her single term as Mayor, she continued to work for policies that addressed long-term poverty in her city and helped non-felony offenders. Johnson did not win re-election as Mayor but won an at-large seat on the Greensboro City Council in 2011.
Yvonne Johnson remained civically active. She was a member of The Greensboro Drifters, Inc. which she founded. She also served as the youngest National President of the National Drifters, Inc. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She served on the board of several organizations, having served as Chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees for ten years and on the Board of Directors for the local United Way. She also served on the boards of the Malachi House; Triad Sickle-Cell Anemia Foundation; the Youth Services Bureau; the YWCA; Greensboro Cerebral Palsy School; and the Greensboro Child Advocacy Board.
She also served on several boards and commissions. Yvonne was also surprised by the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest recognition in the state by Governor Roy Cooper.
Yvonne was predeceased by her beloved husband Walter; they celebrated 56 years of marital bliss. Yvonne is survived by her children: Walter T. Johnson III (Samara), Vernon Johnson (Dr. Tina), Attorney Lisa Yvonne Johnson-Tonkins (Elbert) and Shannon Johnson-Lackey (Tarji). Her adoration for her children was only matched by the love for her eight grandchildren: Vernon “Kenji” Johnson, Jalen Tonkins, Teara Johnson, Devin Tonkins, Lillian Sequoyah Johnson, Sanai’ Yvonne Johnson, Maya Grace Johnson and Malik Tonkins and three great grandchildren, Kamaari, AuliaGracie and Carmelo. She was also survived by her only sister Jacqueline Kpeglo; nieces: Attorney Enyonam Williams (Daniel), Senadzi Haley (Evan), Mary Alice Shaw (Rodney), Lillian Francis (Eric); nephew, Rodger Dickerson (Alecia), Mitchell Trice (Stephanie).
A viewing will be held at Perry Brown Funeral Home located at 909 E. Market Street Greensboro, NC 27401 on Friday, December 13 from 5-7 p.m. A parade in Yvonne’s honor will start at 11 a.m. beginning at Brown Funeral Home, to Dudley St ending on Washington St behind Bennett College’s Chapel. Funeral will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 1 p.m. Family hour is from 12-1 p.m. at Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel on the campus of Bennett College. In lieu of flowers, please donated to Bennett College in Yvonne’s honor.
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Harvette Jenkins MD sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Yvonne Johnson - December 14, 2024
My Deepest Condolences. Yvonne was indeed a Shining Star and will be Greatly Missed. Hugs to the Family. Harvette C. Jenkins-Bah
Tempestt Venable sent Pink Tribute Spray for Yvonne Johnson - December 12, 2024
Dear Shannon, We are deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. IDEA Edgecliff CP
TaJuana Jackson sent Sympathy Spray for Yvonne Johnson - December 12, 2024
Our condolences to the Johnson family in memory of Yvonne Johnson.
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Karla Ford sent Ocean Devotion for Yvonne Johnson - December 11, 2024
On behalf of NCA&T Zeta Phi Beta Zeta Alpha Chapter Spring 96, we share our deepest sympathies, and wish you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Wesley Morris planted 5 trees in memory of Yvonne Johnson . - December 13, 2024
To the family my sincere condolences. Lorraine Davenport
The Carter family sends their deepest condolences to the Johnson family. Yvonne was a beautiful person. She loved the color purple. Thank you for being a long time family friend.
There are no words for the legacy Belle Yvonne J.Johnson has left with us. Her shining personality will live forever in our hearts. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Brenda Walker Williams
To the Johnson Family:
I pray God will grant you peace during this time. Yvonne will be missed.
Rosanell Sutton, Greensboro
To the Johnson & Tonkins Family:
May God provide you with comfort and peace during this time.
Manuel Hyman, Greensboro
My sincere condolences to the Johnson family.
Joseph Sutton, Jr., Greensboro
Condolences to the Johnson Family
My deepest thoughts and prayers I send with angels of comfort.
Yvonne reminded us of how our people walked, worked and worshipped in dignity and truth. A true honor to know her from my childhood up.
Tykie
To the Johnson Family, Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Mrs. Johnson was a remarkable woman and a true trailblazer whose impact will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be profoundly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. The McNeely Family.
To Yvonne Johnson's family I send my condolences. Yvonne was a great person and will truly be missed.
WORDS OF COMFORT FOR YVONNE JOHNSON'S FAMILY . . .
I am so sorry for the pain and loss that you're feeling right now, but please know that you are not alone. You have dear family and friends who care and are praying that your sorrow will lessen each day. No matter what we pray for, remember that it's never about us; it is and always must be about Him (Rom. 8:28). In His wisdom, God has planned beyond our power to comprehend. He knew the desires of Yvonne's heart and, I'm sure, He answered her final prayer. So, cherish the precious memories and years spent with Yvonne Johnson, and leave the rest to God because He knows best. Trust Him (Prov. 3:5-6).
Cheryl Siler (Greensboro, NC)
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Welfare Reform Liaison Project, Inc. and the Staff, we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Yvonne Johnson. She served on the Board of this organization for many years, offering wisdom and informing the work of the agency. Words cannot express how grateful we are for her service and commitment to the initiatives of WRLP. Know that she will be missed.
Remembering a Trailblazer: Honoring Yvonne Johnson
Today, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary leader, Yvonne Johnson, who dedicated her life to serving the city of Greensboro and beyond. As the first African American mayor of Greensboro and a longstanding city councilwoman, she was a beacon of hope, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the community.
Yvonne's legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking achievements. She was a compassionate advocate for justice, a voice for the underserved, and a mentor to countless individuals striving to make a difference. Her tireless commitment to building a stronger, more equitable Greensboro will forever be etched in our hearts and in the history of this city.
To her family, friends, and all who loved her, please know that her influence and contributions will never be forgotten. May we honor her memory by continuing the work she so passionately championed. Rest in power, Yvonne Johnson. Your light will shine forever.
-Greater NC Black Chamber of Commerce
The Headen's salute and honor the life of the honorable Yvonne Johnson. The ministers of the Pulpit Forum appreciate her commitment to justice for all people and her courage to stand up and speak out for it. We are praying for the entire Johnson family. Rev. Gregory T. and Doretha Headen
Our Thoughts are with you all at this sad time. You have lost a Wonderful Person, who touched so many hearts. Carla Dailey Jackson and Family
To the Johnson Family with deepest Sympathy our thoughts are with you all. You have lost a Wonderful Person, a person who Touched so many hearts. Carla Dailey Jackson and Family
Sending prayers of comfort and strength to the family of Soror Yvonne Johnson. Respectfully, Sharon D. Graeber, RA/NCARB/AIA
Harold Robinson
Sending my Condolences to the Johnson Family I will keep the family in my prayers 🙏🙏 Virginia Sturdivant
My condolences to the family and friends of Yvonne. Prayers to you all. RIP Jacqueline C. McMillan
Yvonne Johnson was a great person,and may she rest in peace,our Condolences to the family. The Dorsett family.
Yvonne Johnson was a great person,our Condolences to the family,may u rest in peace 🙏 The Dorsett family
Sending my deepest condolences to Yvonne Johnson's family. May God continue to comfort you today, tomorrow,and always.
Sincerely,
Simone Edmond Ocean Chapter Drifters
My sincere condolences and prayers for the family. This is a heartbreaking loss but joy comes with knowing her living was not in vain. Bless you all. Gwen Robinson - Cincinnati
Our deepest condolences to the Johnson and Tonkins Families. We are praying for God's peace for you. Sam & Shirley Williams, Providence Baptist Church
In continuance, we are praying for all of you. Much love and prayers, Gene and Robin Neese
Mrs. Johnson was one of a kind. A true example of a fine lady. She treated us as family, calling us her brother and sister. She always made us feel loved and truly cared about our family. She made our worries her worries. She was the God mother of our grandkids. They lost their parents at an early age and she took them under her wing and said those are my god children. She never failed to tell us that she was praying for us. My how we will miss her. We will see her again. Precious lady.
Condolences are extended to Yvonne Johnson's family. You are in my prayers. Betty Burnett Lindenwold, New Jersey
Praying for the family
My condolences to the family of Yvonne Johnson and family. I was adopted in her family 35 years or more ago and I enjoyed working for everyone of them. Yvonne was like a sister, mother & a friend Love James Deloatch better known as Hook; my late wife Elaine; children: Angie, Trevon, my grandchildren Ryan and Sidney
Yvonne Johnson was truly one of a kind. She was an inspiration to many in our community and will be greatly missed. Praying for the Johnson family.
To the family of Yvonne Johnson, You are in our prayers during this time. may God continue to bless each of you.
Brenda Gilchrist and Family
To the Johnson family, I send my condolences and my dear Bennett Belle sister, rest in peace. Love You All, Brenda Wallace Bennett Belle
To Vernon & Johnson Family: The family and community has lost a warrior. You can not measure the accomplishments she has made for the city during her terms in office. The pearly gates will be waiting for her with open arms because the GOAT is on the way home. May the lord be with the family during these difficult times and we will keep you in our prayers.
Warnersville Recreation Center & Staff.
Johnson family my condolences to you all, praying for you and family. Yvonne was certainly a remarkable person, she was such an humble and inspirational person. She will be missed by all that knew her. My prayers are for your strength Mitchell Jones
Sending my condolences to Mrs. Johnson family!!!! As I read all that she did and was apart of and Accomplished all i can say is job well done !!! thank you so much for your commitment!!! and your GRATTIDUE, HUMBLENESS , DEDICATION,HARD WORK, WISDOM, PASSION,EAGERNESS,JOY,TEACHINGS, HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY!!!!!ETC WE THANK YOU!!! YOU CAN REST NOW WITH THE REST OF THE ANGELS THAT WILL BE WAITING ON YOU!!!!! IM TRULY HUMBLED TO WRITE THESE WORDS TO YOU, REST NOW!!! AND KEEP PRAYING AND WATCHING OVER US !!!!!! THANK YOU
Yvonne Johnson was truly a trailblazer. She will truly be missed.
To the Johnson family we send our condolences. Lamont & Kelly Donnell
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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