Obituary

Annie Blanche Johnson passed away on September 23, 2022, at 102 years old, as the oldest member of Bethel Baptist Church Collegeville. Almost everyone called her "Blanche."

Blanche was born on April 14, 1920 in Franklin, Tennessee to Mr. Henry Alexander and Mrs. Willie Merritt. Both parents lived to be in their 90s, and Blanche followed their footsteps of longevity to be 102 years old. Mrs. Annie B. Merritt met Birmingham's Collegeville native Edward Johnson in her hometown. They later married and moved to her husband's hometown of Collegeville, where they raised 3 daughters.  Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Johnson, and her oldest daughter Venita Roberts.  She is survived by two daughters:  Elizabeth Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama, and Hazel Grant-Rumph of California. The Johnson's also raised two granddaughters:  Cedriclyn (Francis) Beville of Pensacola, Florida, and Cheryl Green of Birmingham, Alabama. Cheryl was also the caregiver of her grandmother. During this time, they moved to the Hudson City- Mountain Park area.

Annie Blanche Johnson also has four other grandchildren: Rhonda (Michael) Chukes, Lisa Showver, and Shannon Grant of California, and Dr. Paula Roberts of Nashville, Tn. There are 8 great grandchildren: Tristan Beville of Birmingham, Alabama; Omar Beville of Pensacola, Florida; Ty Showver, Trevor, Demetrice, Shayna, Brandi, and Shaniya Grant of California. There are 12 great great grandchildren. Her niece is Patricia Annette Merritt of Nashville, Tn.

Mrs. Johnson became a member of Bethel Baptist Church in her early twenties and served under the leadership of all the church pastors, including her present pastor, Rev Thomas Wilder. Mrs. Johnson lived through the bombings, the civil rights area, and participated in many programs and activities at the church.

Annie Blanche Johnson was also one of the secret message carriers during the civil rights movement. When Blanche transition, the secrets went with her to Heaven. Blanche would take supplies or toiletries to the jail upon being summoned by her former pastor, the late Rev Fred Shuttlesworth, and the Reverends Martin Luther King and Ralph Abernathy.  No rewards or recognition. Just a civil rights mission accomplished by a trustworthy lady.

Annie Blanche Johnson was also a licensed cosmetologist with a BS in 1968 and a Master of Arts in 1971 from the Clinic of Cosmetology Division of Southern Beauty Congress. Mrs. Johnson continued her education to the PHD level of Cosmetology.

Blanche loved everyone and always called on the Lord for Everything.