Anita Elaine Johnson

Anita Elaine (Lawrence) Johnson was born on July 21, 1947, to the late William and Pilar Lawrence in Evansville, Indiana. Anita was the 5th of 12 children from that union that were all raised at 1026 Cherry Street. She was affectionately called “Bookie” by her close family and friends. Anita accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She attended St. John Catholic Grade School and graduated from Rex Mundi High School in 1965. Anita worked at Swanson Electric for several years. She married her husband Jimmy Johnson and from their holy union came two children, Jamie and Stephen (Steve). Anita focused on her family and raising her children after they moved to Atlanta GA. Anita worked at WAOK Radio Station, where she met many entertainers in the music industry. She was later employed with Waffle House Corporation for many years where she was a dedicated employee until she retired in 2020. Anita was a committed and faithful member of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Decatur, GA, where she was a member of the International Council of Catholic Women, St. Vincent De Paul, and a devoted sister of the Ladies Auxiliary Court 313 of St Peter Claver. Anita had a beautiful smile and positive spirit, loved fashion, and poured her heart and soul into cooking delicious meals for her family and friends. Anita was active in the community and a leader in church fundraising activities. Her appreciation for various music genres led her to local Art festivals, Jazz/Blues concerts, and enjoyed attending Plays. She loved line dancing and time with the group “The Fabulous 5” which led to doing water aerobics at the local LA Fitness. Nothing gave her more joy than spending time with her children and grandkids. Anita departed this life too soon, after a brief illness, at the age of 75, on May 9, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Pilar Lawrence, brothers, William Lawrence, Jr. and Anthony (Tony) Lawrence, and sister Carolyn Pate. Anita leaves her two devoted children Jamie Antoine from Beltsville, MD. (Tamlin “Buster” Antoine, III.), and Stephen (Steve) Johnson from Atlanta, GA. Anita cherished her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Nene”: Tamlin (BJ) Antoine IV, Javonne Antoine, Jada Antoine, and Stephen Johnson Jr. Anita is also survived by her Sisters: Rita Albert, Lillian Jackson, Paula Williams, and Marcia Mosley (Ronald), all of Indianapolis, IN, and Andrea Baltzell of Evansville, IN. Brothers: Phillip Lawrence, (Cheryl), Los Angeles CA, Dr. Marcellus Lawrence (Michelle), Pooler, GA, and Aaron Lawrence (Jawanna) Evansville, IN. Anita is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Anita had a unique and distinct funny laugh and smile that would light up the room. Anita was known as our “Little Angel” because of her big welcoming heart. We will miss her warm, kind, sweet, and gentle soul who loved the Lord.

Tributes

Anita Elaine Johnson

July 21, 1947 - May 9, 2023