Mother Phyllis Johnson

Obituary For Mother Phyllis Johnson

Phyllis Johnson Obituary
August 2024
Psalm 62:1 says, "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him".
Phyllis McIver Johnson was born December 23, 1932, in Midway Georgia. She entered into eternal rest
on Sunday morning, August 25, 2024.
Phyllis was one of 14 children born of Willie Gus, Sr. and Gertrude Carter McIver. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Hurshel Johnson. Also preceding her in death were her sisters, Lula Bell Blow,
Willie Mae Strodder, Dorothy Hall, Beatrice McIver, Hattie McIver and brothers, Johnny McIver, Leon
McIver and Lonnie McIver.
From a young age, Phyllis exhibited a strong sense of caring for others. Philco, a nickname she had
growing up, would cook food for the family as a teen.
Phyllis attended public school in Liberty County. As did many during that time, she left before graduating
high school to help the family by working. Relocating to West Palm Beach, FL, it was there that she met
and married her late husband, Hurshel. Through this union, one child, Mary Lee Johnson was born. The
family moved to Riviera Beach, FL in 1962.
Phyllis was very active and led an independent life through all of her senior years. She prided herself in
being able to maintain her home and live and get around on her own as a senior. It was not until 2020,
at age 88, did she decide to sell her car and stop driving.
Phyllis worked for over 50 years for a family in Palm Beach – starting with the Nettos. After the Nettos
passed, she worked for their nephew and his family, Charles Warwick. After the Warwick’s passed, and
before fully retiring at age 87, she worked for the Warwick’s daughter’s family, The Theabauts – where
the Warwick’s adult daughter would come to visit Phyllis each Christmas after she retired.
Phyllis was a member of St. John Missionary Church in West Palm Beach for over 60 years – last taking
Holy Communion, virtually, with her daughter by her side, on August 4, 2024.
Phyllis was a kind and generous soul – always opening her house for friends and family. Never was there
a time when someone came in to town when there was not a hot meal (and dessert!) waiting for them
when they arrived. She was a superb cook and very well known for her famous yeast rolls, cakes and
pies.
Phyllis leaves behind to cherish her memory and miss her every day, her devoted daughter Mary Lee
Johnson, of Atlanta, GA. Also cherishing her memory are her three brothers, Willie Gus McIver, Jr.,
Prophet Otis (Rebecca) McIver, Sr., of Midway, GA, Harry (Betty) McIver, of Brooklyn, NY; a host of
nieces and nephews – great and grand; three loving and supportive neighbors, Elaine and Michelle
Grimes and Tommie Graham. Also part of her caring village were her neighbors Veronica Germinal and
Linda Royes.

VIEWING

Friday

August 30, 2024

1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Dorchester Funeral Home

7842 E. Oglethorpe Hwy

Midway, GA 31320

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday

August 31, 2024

11:00 AM

New Zion Missionary Baptist

Church

9235 E B Cooper Hwy Riceboro, GA 31323

INTERMENT

FOLLOWING FUNERAL

SERVICE

Saturday

August 31, 2024

First Zion Baptist Church

Honor the life of Mother Phyllis Johnson

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